Spain has begun dismantling border barriers at Gibraltar, marking a significant shift in the region’s access and governance. This demolition is part of a new Brexit agreement that will create a frictionless border, allowing around 15,000 daily cross-border workers to move without checks. The changes will take effect on July 15, with passport controls moving to Gibraltar’s airport instead.
The removal of the border infrastructure is historic, as it ends over 300 years of physical division since the capture of Gibraltar. This agreement not only facilitates easier movement but also aligns Gibraltar more closely with the EU’s Schengen zone, despite its status as a British Overseas Territory. The implications for local economies are profound, as daily inspections could have crippled Gibraltar’s economy.
Additionally, Spain will gain a say in residency permits for Gibraltar, prompting a rush of applications from residents eager to secure their status before the new rules take effect. The Rock will also align its tobacco prices with Spain and introduce a VAT-style sales tax, indicating a shift in economic policy.
This treaty, the first significant accord since the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht, represents a new chapter for Gibraltar, with potential benefits for businesses and residents alike. The agreement is expected to be formally signed on July 13, further solidifying this transformative change in the region’s governance and economic landscape.
Source: GB News
