Gibraltar Deal Unpacked: Sovereignty, Borders & The Future of The Rock

The UK and EU have reached a political agreement on Gibraltar, aiming to resolve post-Brexit border issues. This deal prevents a potentially chaotic hard border that would have impacted 15,000 daily commuters and Gibraltar's economy. Crucially, it protects British sovereignty over the Rock. The solution includes allowing fluid border crossings without checks on people, and dual border control checks for air arrivals akin to St Pancras station. A unique customs model avoids onerous goods checks. The agreement has no end date and includes dispute mechanisms, with strong support from Gibraltar's Chief Minister.

Key Takeaways:

• A new political agreement between the UK and EU addresses the "untenable" post-Brexit situation for Gibraltar, preventing a "hard border" and its potential chaos.
• The deal explicitly protects British sovereignty over Gibraltar, including its territorial waters and military facilities.
• Daily land border crossings for people will flow without checks.
• For those arriving by air, there will be dual border control checks (Gibraltarian and Spanish officials performing Schengen checks).
• A unique goods and customs model will avoid onerous checks on products entering Gibraltar by land.
• The agreement is open-ended with no specific end date, aiming for "certainty and clarity".
• The deal includes dispute resolution mechanisms and the possibility for any party to unilaterally end the agreement if necessary.
• The Government of Gibraltar, led by Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, fully supports the outcome, having been involved in every negotiation stage.
• A concern highlighted is that British citizens entering Gibraltar by air may be subject to the 90-day Schengen limit by Spanish officials, even if not intending to travel into Spain.
• Service personnel at British Forces Gibraltar will continue to operate without interference or Schengen checks.

Source:  UK–EU agreement on Gibraltar
Published Thursday, 19 June, 2025

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