Key takeaways from today's landmark Brexit Deal

✅ Free movement across the land border

All physical border controls removed between Gibraltar and La Línea (Spain). Thousands of daily commuters and goods can now cross without checks  .

People crossing need no passport stamps or checks.

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✈️ Dual border checks at port and airport

Eurostar‑style controls: Both Gibraltar/UK and Spanish (Schengen) officials will conduct entry/exit checks at Gibraltar’s airport and port  .

Gibraltar retains immigration control, while Spanish staff enforce Schengen rules — similar to French officers at London's St Pancras  .

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Sovereignty & legal clarity

Explicit clause stating Gibraltar’s British sovereignty remains unchanged  .

UK keeps full military autonomy in Gibraltar  .

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Customs, trade & taxation

Framework established for a customs union between the EU and Gibraltar to allow seamless goods flow  .

Guidelines for indirect taxes (including on tobacco) to prevent unfair advantages  .

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Regulatory cooperation

Agreements on ensuring a level playing field covering state aid, taxation, labour rights, environment, anti–money laundering, and transport  .

New cooperation frameworks include police, judicial coordination, social security for cross-border workers, and visa arrangements  .

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Prosperity & regional development

Establishes a financial mechanism to support economic development, jobs, training, and cohesion in the broader Gibraltar–Campo de Gibraltar area  .

Provides legal certainty to businesses, workers, and residents — addressing threats to Gibraltar's economy pre-agreement  .

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Integration into Schengen

Gibraltar will practically join the Schengen Area via Spain’s border controls, protecting the EU single market and Schengen integrity  .

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Timing & next steps

Final treaty text to be drafted based on today's political deal, then submitted to UK, Spain, and EU for ratification  .

The goal is to align with the EU’s new entry/exit regime launching in October 2025  .

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What leaders are saying

David Lammy (UK Foreign Sec) praised it as a “practical solution,” preserving sovereignty, jobs, and growth  .

Fabian Picardo (Gibraltar CM) called it “historic,” bringing legal certainty without affecting British sovereignty  .

José Manuel Albares (Spanish FM) hailed the removal of the “last wall of continental Europe”  .

EU’s Maroš Šefčovič labelled it a “truly historic milestone,” safeguarding Schengen and Single Market  .

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In summary: this landmark political agreement ends years of post‑Brexit uncertainty in Gibraltar by removing border checks, integrating Gibraltar into a Schengen-style arrangement, balancing sovereignty, and laying the groundwork for deep regulatory and economic cooperation.