11 June 2025 will go down in the history of European integration as the day that initiated the removal of the last physical border on the continent – the border crossing between Gibraltar and Spain. Thanks to an agreement between the UK and the European Union, and subject to ratification, this British overseas territory will soon join the Schengen area.
Facilitation also for tourists
In the aftermath of Brexit, the status of Gibraltar has become one of the most difficult topics in the relationship between London and Brussels. After years of negotiations, a compromise has been reached that combines the expectations of the three parties: the UK, the European Union and the Gibraltarians themselves. The agreement provides for Gibraltar’s entry into the Schengen area, which means no passport controls at the border with Spain.
The change is crucial for the approximately 15 000 people who cross the border every day for work purposes, as well as for tourists. There is no shortage of Poles among them – especially as Gibraltar is a memorial to General Władysław Sikorski. The plaque commemorating him, originally located at the airport, has been moved to Europa Point. To mark the 70th anniversary of Władysław Sikorski’s death, a memorial – commemorating the tragic plane crash – was unveiled there in 2013.
The system of border controls is changing and physical checks will no longer be carried out at the land border crossing point, but at Gibraltar’s port and airport. There, the movement of people will be supervised by Spanish officers – acting on behalf of the European Union – and by Frontex officers.
At the same time, the British sovereignty of Gibraltar was respected, which was a key demand of the Gibraltar authorities. The agreement stressed that it does not affect the status of the UK’s overseas territory. Closer economic and customs cooperation was also initiated, including a plan to create a customs union between the EU and Gibraltar to facilitate trade.
See also:
Within sight of Marbella – a trip to Gibraltar
Commemoration of the 80th anniversary of General Sikorski’s death at Gibraltar
Symbolic dismantling of the border
The abolition of land border controls not only means convenience for the people of the region, but also has great symbolic significance. For Gibraltar and Spain’s Campo de Gibraltar, it is also a developmental boost – by unblocking the barriers to everyday life – with the potential to boost trade, services, tourism and investment.
While the agreement is ground-breaking, its full implementation will require further steps: ratification of the treaty, the creation of a legal framework on fiscal, environmental and social issues, and a permanent mechanism for security cooperation. It will also be important to monitor the balance between Schengen membership and British oversight of Gibraltar.
The agreement could significantly increase the number of day and weekend visits by tourists from Spain, particularly from Andalusia, experts estimate. Gibraltar will become more easily accessible to travellers from across the Schengen area, which could increase its popularity as a destination – for both tourism and history enthusiasts. Certainly, European tour operators will be more willing to include Gibraltar in itineraries in southern Spain.
At the same time – thanks to simplified border procedures – Gibraltar could become a more attractive port of call or destination for short visits on Mediterranean cruises. The airport there would thus increase the number of connections with Schengen countries, offering an alternative to the ports of Malaga or Seville.
According to the latest information, the final text of the agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom is to be ready by October, which would allow it to enter into force by the end of the year, probably around Christmas. Thus, the symbolic disappearance of the „last wall of continental Europe” could take place next year.
