A trilateral agreement was signed today in Brussels between the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Spain that determines the future status of Gibraltar and stipulates the abolition of routine border checks between Gibraltar and Spain.

This agreement comes after years of negotiations following the UK's exit from the European Union.

The agreement was signed by: EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič, UK Minister of State for European Affairs Stephen Doughty, Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo, and Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno.

Border inspection operations

Under this agreement, routine border checks between Gibraltar and Spain are abolished, and Gibraltar is brought closer to the European Union by aligning Schengen rules and customs procedures, facilitating the movement of goods and workers and strengthening economic ties between Gibraltar and the EU.

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The status of Gibraltar has been under discussion between the European Union and the UK since the latter's exit from the EU in 2020, and negotiations concluded in June 2025 after reaching a broad agreement involving the four parties: the EU, the UK, Spain, and Gibraltar. According to established procedures, the agreement will be submitted to the European Parliament for approval this winter, while the Council of the European Union has authorized its provisional application as of July 15, 2026.

The agreement aims to facilitate the movement of people and goods between Gibraltar and Spain, thereby enhancing economic stability in the region. It is expected to be approved by the European Parliament this winter, with provisional application starting in July 2026. Observers are watching whether this step will pave the way for ending the long-standing dispute over sovereignty of Gibraltar.