Gibraltar has officially entered a new era following the removal of border controls with Spain, a change enabled by a recently reached tripartite agreement between the UK, Spain, and the EU. This development brings an end to the extensive queues at the border, which affected approximately 16,000 daily crossings, primarily by Spanish workers. Wait times at the border had previously stretched to several hours.
John Isola, President of the Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce, expressed relief at the breakthrough, stating, "Not reaching an agreement would have been a catastrophe. The irony is that it was forced by Brexit."
Under the terms of this agreement, passport checks at the Gibraltar-Spain border will be eliminated. Instead, Spain will conduct essential checks at Gibraltar's airport and port in compliance with EU regulations.
The new arrangement is expected to positively impact Gibraltar's economy, particularly benefiting its online gambling sector, which holds 54 licenses, provides around 3,300 jobs, and contributes nearly 30% to the territory's GDP.
The deal is viewed as a significant milestone for Gibraltar, especially as its border with Spain was closed down during the periods of 1969 and 1985 under General Franco. Although challenges remain, this agreement marks a critical step forward in facilitating movement, bolstering economic collaboration, and improving post-Brexit relations between Gibraltar and Spain.
