Gibraltar's Chief Minister Says Schengen Entry Deal Is Almost Finalized
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Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, says a deal allowing Gibraltar to join the Schengen Zone is close to being finalized.
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If the agreement goes through, travelers from the UK to Gibraltar may need to show their passports to Spanish or EU border officers at the airport.
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Spain’s Foreign Minister has also confirmed that Spain is committed to reaching a deal, though it still claims historical sovereignty over Gibraltar.
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Gibraltar is close to finalizing an agreement that would let it join the Schengen Zone, according to its Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo. He expressed confidence that the UK and Spain will reach a deal, which would allow passport-free movement between Gibraltar and the Schengen Area.
However, once the deal is in place, British travelers arriving in Gibraltar may need to show their passports to Spanish or EU border authorities, depending on the final terms.
These comments follow remarks by Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, who recently told UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer that improving UK-EU relations should also include resolving the Gibraltar issue. Albares said he hopes for a comprehensive agreement covering all areas, including Gibraltar.
Despite Spain's willingness to reach a deal, Albares emphasized that Spain will not give up its long-standing claim to Gibraltar’s sovereignty. Talks over Gibraltar's future have been ongoing since 2017 and have seen progress, with Gibraltar’s Chief Minister stating that the end of negotiations is now in sight.
Gibraltar’s Status Still Unclear
Back in 2020, after Brexit, a temporary agreement allowed Gibraltar to remain part of the Schengen Zone, even though the UK left the EU. But a permanent arrangement has still not been made.
Albares told the BBC's Newsnight program that the issue is still unresolved. Meanwhile, UK officials like Priti Patel have firmly stated that Gibraltar remains British.
According to Gibraltar’s 2006 constitution, any change in sovereignty would require the consent of its people. A 2002 referendum showed that most citizens strongly opposed the idea of sharing control with Spain.