Gibraltar-Spain border checks end under historic post-Brexit treaty

A historic treaty between the UK, EU, Spain, and Gibraltar came into effect on Wednesday, removing all border checks and physical fencing between Spain and the British overseas territory. Thousands of people crossed freely after midnight, marking the end of a frontier that had been a source of tension for centuries. Source: BBC

The treaty

The agreement, signed in Brussels on Tuesday, makes Gibraltar a de facto member of the EU's Schengen free-travel area. At the airport and port, joint UK and Spanish officials will conduct entry checks, similar to Eurostar procedures. Source: Al Jazeera Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares insisted the deal does not alter Spain's long-standing sovereignty claim over the Rock. Source: euronews

Economic impact

The treaty also addresses Gibraltar's economy, which has shifted from goods to high-value services. A new transaction tax on goods aims to reduce the tax gap with Spain, while capital taxes remain unchanged. Source: elmundoes The removal of border queues is expected to benefit the 15,000 daily cross-border workers and boost regional prosperity. Source: The Guardian

Reactions

Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo declared, "Europe is back," as crowds celebrated with Spanish flags and football jerseys after Spain's World Cup semifinal win. Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez called it the "last wall" inside the EU. Source: CNNSource: DW News