Good afternoon.

June 11th marks a truly historic milestone for the European Union, including Spain, as well as for the United Kingdom, and Gibraltar. I am proud to say this, following a successful meeting with Spanish Minister José Manuel Albares, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, together with Gibraltars Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.

We have worked intensively towards an EU-UK political agreement on the core elements of the future relationship concerning Gibraltar.

When I met with both Minister Albares and Secretary Lammy last months, we all recognised a clear momentum – and agreed that the time had come to get the job done.

Our shared and overarching objective has been to secure the regions long-term prosperity – particularly by removing all physical barriers, checks, and controls on people and goods crossing between Spain and Gibraltar, while preserving the integrity of the Schengen Area, the EU Single Market, and the Customs Union.

This agreement benefits everyone – and will bring legal certainty and confidence to people and businesses across the region. Approximately 15,000 people cross daily between Gibraltar and Spain.

This agreement also clearly reflects a strategic and cooperative approach, aimed at strengthening our relations in the context of the UKs departure from the EU – I would even say it reinforces a new chapter in our relationship.

There is no alternative, given todays realities and challenges.

Next, the negotiating teams will swiftly finalise the full legal text, followed by the respective internal procedures leading to the agreements signature and ratification.

In conclusion, I want to appreciate the dedicated work of the Commission and UK negotiating teams, who have worked tirelessly around the clock, alongside close cooperation with Spanish authorities.

And I also sincerely value the personal commitment of Minister Albares and Secretary Lammy – it has been a pleasure working with you to make this happen.