Gibraltar-Schengen Deal ‘99% Done’, Says First Minister – Final Hurdles Remain on Border Controls
Gibraltar is on the brink of joining the EU’s Schengen zone, with its Chief Minister declaring that a landmark agreement with Spain and the EU is "99 per cent done". The deal, once finalised, would grant passport-free travel across the border with Spain, significantly easing daily crossings for thousands of workers and residents.
Speaking to Times Radio, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said, “I think we can now see the finish post. We’re 99 per cent of the way there... within kissing distance.” The proposed agreement aims to make Gibraltar an associate member of Schengen, allowing the free movement of people between the Rock and Spain — a key priority for the local economy and border communities.
Around 15,000 Spanish workers cross the Gibraltar-Spain border daily, and Gibraltarians hope to regain the freedom of movement they enjoyed before Brexit. However, the deal’s final details — especially concerning border control arrangements — remain sensitive and unresolved.
Under the plan, passport checks would move to Gibraltar’s airport, the territory’s only point of entry by air. Border control would be conducted by Frontex, the EU’s border agency, rather than Spanish police, a compromise sought by Gibraltar to avoid any perception of surrendering sovereignty. Talks have frequently stalled over Spain’s desire to have its own officers stationed in Gibraltar — something staunchly opposed by the territory, particularly due to security concerns over the RAF base at the airport.
In a recent interview with BBC Newsnight, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares urged UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to include Gibraltar in any broader EU “reset”, insisting that “Gibraltar must be part of a global deal to ensure smooth relations.”
Albares reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to a deal, saying his country is willing to “park” its historical sovereignty claim, though not abandon it entirely. Since the Brexit transition period ended, border flexibility has largely relied on informal leniency, with both sides avoiding the strict enforcement of passport checks.
However, this situation may soon change. The EU’s long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES), which mandates passport and biometric data checks for non-Schengen arrivals, is expected to roll out this year — potentially resulting in long queues and delays unless a formal agreement is secured.
The UK Foreign Office has underlined its position, saying it will only approve a deal that maintains full British sovereignty and carries the full backing of Gibraltar’s elected leadership. “This Government inherited a situation from the last government which left Gibraltar’s economy and way of life under threat,” a spokesperson said. “We have been clear that we will only agree a deal that maintains British sovereignty over Gibraltar.”
Negotiations over Gibraltar’s post-Brexit future began in 2017 and have involved the UK, Spain, Gibraltar, and the European Commission. After years of deadlock, both sides appear closer than ever to sealing a deal that could reshape the territory’s relationship with the EU.
Source: The Telegraph
