The status of Gibraltar has been negotiated between the EU, Spain, the UK and Gibraltar since October 2021. The negotiations concluded in June 2025 with a broad agreement that introduces a hybrid governance model with roles for all four parties taking part in the negotiations. This week the Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade Committee of the European Parliament jointly prepared the EU–Gibraltar agreement for the plenary session, where the European Parliament is required to approve the agreement.
Spain considers Gibraltar a colony occupied by Britain contrary to international law. Over the past decades, the relations between London and Madrid have been marked by periodic tensions over territorial waters, Gibraltar’s economic status, and operation of the airport.
Gibraltar was the sole exception to the rule that the British Overseas Territories do not become part of the territory of the EU. Prior to Brexit, Gibraltar was part of the EU, albeit with its specificities. In the 2016 Brexit referendum, an overwhelming 96% of Gibraltarians voted in favour of remaining in the EU. However, owing to its specific status and location, Gibraltar was subject to separate negotiations after the UK withdrew from the EU.
On 20 July 2021, the European Commission proposed a recommendation for a Council decision authorising the opening of negotiations with the UK in respect of Gibraltar and for negotiating directives. The negotiation concluded in June 2025 and now it is in front of the MEPs to accept it.
The main objective of the future Agreement is to secure the future prosperity of the whole region. This will be done by removing all physical barriers, checks and controls on persons and goods circulating between Spain and Gibraltar, while preserving the Schengen area, the EU Single Market and Customs Union. This will bring confidence and legal certainty to the lives and well-being of the people of the whole region by promoting shared prosperity and close and constructive relations between the Gibraltar and Spanish authorities.
In the area of persons, the Parties agreed to establish dual Gibraltar and Schengen border checks at Gibraltar port and airport – to be carried out in full cooperation between the EU and UK/Gibraltar authorities, removing all checks at the crossing point between Gibraltar and La Linea for the many thousands of people who travel across daily in both directions. For the EU, full Schengen checks will be carried out by Spain. For the UK, full Gibraltar checks will continue to be carried out as they are today. They also agreed arrangements for visas and permits and close cooperation between the police and law enforcement authorities.
In the area of goods, the Parties agreed on the principles underpinning the future customs union between the EU and Gibraltar, providing for strong cooperation between the respective customs authorities and removing checks on goods.
The indicative date for the voting about the agreement on plenary sitting is 14 December 2026.
