Gibraltar has now officially entered a new phase following the recent agreement between the UK, Spain, and the EU, which has led to the removal of border controls between Gibraltar and Spain. This agreement brings to an end years of congestion at the border, which has been a significant inconvenience for approximately 16,000 individuals who cross daily, including many Spanish workers. Previously, customs delays often extended wait times to several hours.
John Isola, President of the Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce, remarked on the significance of the agreement, stating, "Not reaching an agreement would have been a catastrophe. The irony is that it was forced by Brexit."
Under the terms of the new arrangement, passport checks at the border will be eliminated. In exchange, Spain will carry out necessary checks at both the airport and the port of Gibraltar on behalf of the EU.
Economically, this agreement is expected to provide a boost to Gibraltar, particularly benefiting its online gambling sector, which holds 54 licenses, employs approximately 3,300 people, and account for nearly 30% of the territory's GDP.
This deal marks a significant historic turning point for Gibraltar, especially considering that its border with Spain was closed during the regimes of General Franco in 1969 and later in 1985. While some challenges remain to be addressed, this accord is widely regarded as a major milestone that enhances mobility, strengthens economic cooperation, and reshapes interactions between Gibraltar and Spain in the post-Brexit era.
