European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares, and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, along with Gibraltars Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, convened in Brussels on Wednesday, June 11.

Building on significant progress from earlier political meetings in 2024 and intensive negotiations since then, todays discussions culminated in a political agreement on the essential elements of the future EU-UK Agreement regarding Gibraltar. This Agreement respects the legal positions of Spain and the UK concerning sovereignty and jurisdiction.

The primary goal of the future Agreement is to ensure the regions prosperity by eliminating physical barriers and checks on the movement of people and goods between Spain and Gibraltar while maintaining the Schengen area, the EU Single Market, and Customs Union. This initiative aims to instill confidence and legal certainty in the lives of the regions residents, fostering shared prosperity and constructive relations between Gibraltar and Spanish authorities.

Regarding people, the Parties agreed to implement dual Gibraltar and Schengen border checks at Gibraltars port and airport, facilitated by cooperation between the EU and UK/Gibraltar authorities, thus removing checks at the crossing point between Gibraltar and La Linea for the thousands who travel daily in both directions. Spain will conduct full Schengen checks, while Gibraltar will maintain its checks as they currently operate. They also established arrangements for visas and permits alongside enhanced collaboration between police and law enforcement agencies.

For goods, the Parties agreed on the foundational principles of the future customs union between the EU and Gibraltar, ensuring robust cooperation between customs authorities and removing checks on goods. They also reached consensus on the principles of indirect taxation to be applied in Gibraltar, including on tobacco, to avoid distortions and support the regions prosperity.

Other vital components of the future EU-UK Agreement include commitments to a level playing field concerning state aid, taxation, labor, environmental standards, trade, sustainable development, anti-money laundering, and transport, including airport operations; rights of frontier workers; and social security coordination. Specific cooperation on environmental issues will also be included. Additionally, a financial mechanism to promote cohesion and support training and employment in the region has been agreed upon.

This agreement reflects a shared commitment to European security.

The path is now clear for negotiating teams to finalize the full legal text and proceed with the necessary internal procedures leading to the signature and ratification of the future Agreement.

The Parties are optimistic that this Agreement will foster prosperity and provide confidence, legal certainty, and stability for the entire regions residents.