Britain has agreed a flexible border between Gibraltar and Spain, paving the way for a final deal with the EU on the territory after Brexit.
Under the agreement, checks for people crossing the border will not be mandatory.
There will be dual border controls at Gibraltar Airport for air arrivals, carried out by representatives from both Gibraltar and Spain.
Spanish authorities will take over the functions of the Schengen zone, similar to the French police operating at St Pancras International Station in London.
The agreement also includes provisions for the entry of goods and customs duties into Gibraltar via a land crossing.
Discussions over border management rules have been ongoing since the UK left the European Union in 2020.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the agreement was a “breakthrough” after a long period of uncertainty and that Britain's commitment to Gibraltar “remains as strong as the Rock itself”.
He added: “Together with the Gibraltar Government, we have reached an agreement that protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar’s economy and allows businesses to plan for the long term again.
“I thank the Chief Minister and his Government for their tireless commitment throughout the negotiations. The UK's commitment to Gibraltar remains as strong as the Rock itself.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the agreement.
In a post on X, she wrote: “This preserves the integrity of Schengen and the single market, while ensuring stability, legal certainty and prosperity for the region.”
Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said the agreement would “protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and would in no way affect our British sovereignty.”
“Now is the time to put the disputes of the past behind us and move on to a new stage of cooperation and understanding. Now that the deal is done, it is time to finalize the agreement.”
Mr Lammy held talks with Gibraltar leaders, opposition figures and business leaders before leaving the British overseas territory for Brussels on Wednesday morning.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
