EU and UK reach agreement on Gibraltar status

West Australian

a day ago

The European Union and the United Kingdom have reached an agreement on the status of Gibraltar, according to a joint declaration between the parties.
The status of Gibraltar - an enclave at the southern tip of Spain that has been under British rule since the 18th century - and how to police the border with Spain have been points of contention since the UK voted in 2016 to leave the EU.
The UK foreign office said in a statement the agreement would protect UK sovereignty and its military autonomy as well as Gibraltar's economic future.
The foreign office also said the agreement, among other benefits, would provide a practical solution to avoid the need for what it described as "onerous checks" and long delays at the border.
"I'm delighted we have finalised a conclusive political agreement which will bring legal certainty to the people of Gibraltar, its businesses and to those across the region who rely on stability at the frontier," said Fabian Picardo, the chief minister of Gibraltar.
The UK agreed to a fluid border between Gibraltar and Spain that will not require checks on people crossing, the UK government said, clearing the way to finalise a deal with the EU.
There will be dual border control checks for arrivals by air at Gibraltar airport, carried out by Gibraltar and Spanish officials.
Spanish officials will take responsibility for the Schengen Area in a model that mirrors French police operating in London'a St Pancras station.
with PA