The border between Gibraltar and Spain is disappearing

On November 25, the European Union and Spain brought a proposal to Great Britain that partially removes the border between Gibraltar and Spain. However, with a certain restraint by Spanish customs and frontex.

The objective is to create an area of ​​shared prosperity and establish a new legal framework that lays the foundation for a sustainable relationship between the two parties.

According to Spanish media, Madrid and London hope to reach an agreement on Gibraltar “as soon as possible”. British and Spanish Foreign Ministers James Cleverley and Jose Manuel Alvarez met in Madrid yesterday to reach an agreement described as positive.

Three years after Brexit, Madrid and London hope to end the dispute over Gibraltar, which has kept people on both sides of the border in suspense. This is especially true for the thousands of Spanish workers who cross the border every day – an estimated 13,000 according to the Spanish government.

Wednesday’s meeting at the Palacio de Viana in Madrid was friendly and showed great commitment to reaching an agreement as soon as possible.

The question of the police forces that Spain intends to deploy under customs control is more delicate. Albares promised Britain would “assess” Frontex – the European border and coast guard agency – alongside Spanish police. This was not opposed by the British counterpart but made no comment.

According to a previous agreement between Madrid and London on December 31, 2020, Spain, as a member of Schengen, will take over and control Gibraltar’s port and airport during a four-year interim period with the support of Frontex.

footnote. Frontex, formally the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, is the European border and coast guard agency within the European Union.