Pedro Sánchez emphasises that 'today we are making history' with the removal of the border fence and are ushering in 'a new era of coexistence and shared prosperity, full of[...]

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Pedro Sánchez emphasises that "today we are making history" with the removal of the border fence and are ushering in "a new era of coexistence and shared prosperity, full of opportunities for the Campo de Gibraltar"

President's News - 2026.7.15

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, during the institutional statement before the media (Pool Moncloa / Fernando Calvo)

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, emphasised that "today we are making history" with the removal of the Línea de la Concepción fence, because "the last wall on the European mainland is coming down" and we are ushering in "a new era of coexistence and shared prosperity", "full of opportunities and hope for the Campo de Gibraltar". "Today, the Campo de Gibraltar is reconciled with its true destiny: to be a bridge and not a barrier. Be a horizon and not a border. To be the master of history, and never again its victim", he added.

He made this statement after presiding over the ceremony to demolish the border fence, marking the entry into force of the Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom on Gibraltar, an event also attended by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares.

The head of the Executive stated that today marks the beginning of "a new era, full of opportunities, for the 300,000 Andalusians living in the Campo de Gibraltar". All this takes place within a context of mutual benefit, exemplified in the more than 15,000 workers who cross the fence every day - 70% of Spanish nationality - and who represent half of the Gibraltarian workforce.

Sánchez, who has described the border fence as "an open wound" for decades, stated that the Agreement signed in Brussels - with Spain's decisive involvement - which comes into force today, "is a fair agreement that protects our interests and more than meets the objectives we had set ourselves in the negotiations".

Firstly, "as regards the free movement of people, Spain will exercise Schengen powers at the port and airport in Gibraltar, ensuring the security of the European external border and full control over visas", he explained. Regarding the free movement of goods, the president pointed out that "a customs union is established between the European Union and Gibraltar and fiscal convergence is indirectly achieved that will put an end to historical imbalances". "And in the transport sector," he added, "Gibraltar Airport is opening to civilian traffic under a shared management model, to provide new opportunities for connectivity, tourism, investment and development across the entire Campo de Gibraltar region".

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, together with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, and the mayor of La Línea de la Concepción, Juan Franco, during the demolition of the fence | Pool Moncloa / Fernando Calvo

"But if there is one chapter that sums up the spirit of this agreement, it is the one dedicated to people", remarked the head of the Executive, who insisted that "the great priority of the Government of Spain has always been to safeguard the rights of cross-border workers who crossed this fence every day". "Their unemployment benefits will be guaranteed. Their pensions will be protected and can be supplemented up to the Spanish minimum, and there will no longer be delays in the collection of benefits due to administrative lack of coordination", he stated.

Furthermore, as Sánchez added, "any EU citizen legally resident in Spain will be able to work as an employee in Gibraltar. Without discrimination and on equal terms". "And, finally, the Agreement establishes a 'social fund to promote cohesion and solidarity between Gibraltar and the Campo de Gibraltar', which will be financed by the EU and the United Kingdom, and will make a decisive contribution to reducing inequalities on both sides, through specific measures in training and employment to provide opportunities for young people in this region", he said.

In his view, "today's Spain is a country that looks at the world aware that conflicts are not there to be managed indefinitely, but rather to be resolved" and that believes that "politics achieves its greatest dignity when it stops managing inherited problems and finds the courage to resolve them", engaging in dialogue without renouncing principles. "Such as those that define Spain's position on the Gibraltar issue, always aligned with national interest and full respect for International Law", he noted.

Finally, the President of the Government of Spain wanted to thank the European Commission, the United Kingdom, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the EU and Cooperation, the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabián Picardo, and the mayors involved in securing this important agreement for their work. Also to the social partners, trade unions and business organisations "for their contributions, initiatives and spirit of dialogue", and to the State law enforcement forces and agencies for their work.

The Los Gallardos Fire

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, between the Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, and the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, at the demolition ceremony | Pool Moncloa / Fernando Calvo

Pedro Sánchez took the opportunity during his appearance to once again offer words of condolence and recognition for the victims of the fire in Los Gallardos (Almería)."Our thoughts are with them all and their families, as well as with the magnificent professionals who, summer after summer, fight fires in our country", noting that they "represent the best of our public service and have our full affection and support".

He also reminded the public of "the importance of prevention, responsibility, and caution". "The battle against wildfires depends on all of us, and primarily on the institutions", he noted, reiterating the need to reach an "agreement to tackle the climate emergency".

Good luck to the Spanish national football team

Finally, the head of the Executive referred to the Spanish national football team's victory and the excitement - or "hope" - stirred up across the country at the prospect of becoming world champions again this Sunday, a goal that is "within reach". "Thank you to our national team for giving us such a thrill and making us dream. Let's hope the second star is just around the corner. I have no doubt that we will succeed", he concluded.

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