Albares, at the signing of the Gibraltar agreement: 'a historic agreement that ushers in a new era three centuries later'

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, attended the signing in Brussels of the historic agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom regarding Gibraltar. The signing marks the beginning of a new era of coexistence, stability and shared prosperity for the Campo de Gibraltar, Andalusia, Spain and Europe as a whole. The agreement also brings the final outstanding chapter of Brexit to a close and enables Spain to further strengthen its bilateral relations with the United Kingdom, a key European partner and NATO ally.

At the Berlaymont building, the headquarters of the European Commission, Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, accompanied by Minister Albares, representing the European Union, and Stephen Doughty, Minister of State for Europe and North America, accompanied by Fabian Picardo, Chief Minister of Gibraltar, on behalf of the United Kingdom, have initialled the agreement with a formal signing ceremony.

"We have just drawn a line under a long period of discord and opened the door to a new era of coexistence between two communities that once turned their backs on one another and are now joining hands, three centuries later." "This is a historic agreement, an agreement for the future, which represents a huge step forward in terms of stability and prosperity for the 300,000 Andalusians living in the Campo de Gibraltar," the minister said after the signing ceremony.

The fence falls - the last wall in Western Europe

The agreement, which will come into force tomorrow at 00:00, provides for the removal of the fence, thereby dismantling the last wall on the European mainland. Free movement of people between the Campo de Gibraltar and Gibraltar is established, which will especially benefit the approximately 15,000 cross-border workers who cross daily.

There will be no passport controls between the two territories, and Spain will take over Schengen border controls at Gibraltar's airport and port. Furthermore, Spanish authorities will have the final say on the issuance and renewal of residence permits.

Collective success

The agreement provides solutions to enable all the inhabitants of a region - hitherto separated by a fence - to live together. Inequalities and distortions are eliminated; the free movement of people and goods is guaranteed; the future of workers and their rights are protected, including unemployment benefits and pensions, and positions the Campo de Gibraltar as a region of progress, opportunity, connectivity and a bright future - something widely sought after throughout the region.

Albares states that the agreement "is a great success, a collective success that marks a new era in the Campo de Gibraltar and paves the way for the region's future and prosperity; it brings the final outstanding chapter of Brexit to a close and enables us to further deepen our bilateral relations with the United Kingdom, a European partner and NATO ally."

The minister thanked everyone who had contributed to the success of the negotiations leading up to this signing: the mayors of the Campo de Gibraltar region, the socio-economic stakeholders, the Regional Government of Andalusia and the other institutions; and, in particular, Juan Franco, mayor of La Línea, the town that would have suffered the most had an agreement not been reached.

Recognition for Šefčovič

Following the signing, the minister awarded Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič the Order of Civil Merit, one of the highest honours bestowed by our country in recognition of the exceptional services rendered by individuals - whether Spanish or foreign - who have made a significant contribution to the good of Spain.

In awarding this honour, Albares sought to recognise Šefčovič's "crucial leadership" in these negotiations, as well as his diplomatic skill and his ability to build bridges, foster European cooperation and strengthen Europe's position in the world.

In the minister's own words: "Their dedication and commitment have also helped to put the final piece of the Brexit jigsaw in place: the Agreement on Gibraltar. "From the time a political agreement was reached just over a year ago, on 11 June 2025, until the signing of the final legal agreement today, the work carried out by the teams at the Commission which you lead has been extraordinary."

At the same ceremony, Albares presented awards to other figures who had also been involved in the negotiations for the agreement, including the Spaniard Clara Martínez Alberola, senior adviser to Commissioner Šefčovič.

Other meetings

During his visit to Brussels, Albares also met with the High Representative of the European Union, Kaja Kallas, with whom he reviewed the main issues on the international and EU agenda.

He also took part in a discussion with Jeromin Zetterlmeyer, director of the Belgian think tank Bruegel. Under the title "The end of the old order or a new dawn?", the minister reflected on the many challenges facing European and Spanish foreign policy.

Non official translation