The treaty on Gibraltar, which opens a new era of coexistence and shared prosperity, has been published

Gibraltar

The full text of the historic treaty on Gibraltar, which opens a new era of coexistence, stability, and shared prosperity for the Campo de Gibraltar region, Andalusia, Spain, and Europe as a whole, is now available for public consultation.

Minister José Manuel Albares announced the final political agreement on Gibraltar on 11 June, 2025, after successfully concluding negotiations in Brussels with European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The final text of the treaty, published today, establishes a comprehensive legal framework that fosters economic development, strengthens social guarantees, and consolidates cooperation between the parties, while Spain maintains its claim to sovereignty.

End of the fence and free movement of people

The treaty envisages the removal of the border fence, eliminating the last wall on the European continent. 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. Spain will assume responsibility for Schengen controls at Gibraltar's airport and port. Furthermore, Spanish authorities will have the final say on the issuance and renewal of residence permits.

Free movement of goods

The treaty regulates the movement of goods through a system of harmonised controls:

• Spain will carry out customs controls on goods entering Gibraltar.
• Baggage checks will be established for travellers bound for the European Union and Gibraltar, guaranteeing security and compliance with EU regulations.

Tax convergence

The agreement incorporates convergence measures regarding indirect taxation on goods. Gibraltar will apply an indirect tax equivalent to VAT, starting at 15% upon the treaty's entry into force and completing convergence within three years. In addition, specific provisions are established for tobacco in accordance with European regulations. These measures aim to prevent economic distortions and strengthen fairness across the region.

Environment

The text provides for adaptation to EU environmental regulations and the creation of a joint environmental impact assessment mechanism. It also ensures compliance with European standards in this area, reinforcing the protection of the shared natural environment.

Social guarantees and compliance mechanisms

The treaty incorporates guarantees designed to ensure balanced and fair development. To this end, it establishes a financial mechanism for job training and other social measures to compensate for income inequalities, strengthens coordination in social security matters, and includes specific protection measures for cross-border workers. Spain will play a central role in the implementation of the Agreement, including the power to suspend its application, apply safeguards, or terminate the agreement.

Furthermore, Spain fully maintains its position on sovereignty, as expressly stated in the text of the agreement.

A new era for Campo de Gibraltar

This treaty opens a new era for the more than 300,000 Andalusians of the Campo de Gibraltar, fostering economic opportunities, institutional stability, and future prospects in a region that is strategic for Spain and Europe. The agreement constitutes a decisive step towards a shared space of prosperity, cooperation, and trust, consolidating a relationship model that prioritises the well-being of citizens and regional stability.

Minister Albares sent the text this Thursday to the chairs of the foreign affairs committees of the Lower and Upper Houses of Parliament, the mayors of the Campo de Gibraltar, the Regional Government of Andalusia, and the social and economic stakeholders in the area, with whom he has met on several occasions to explain both the negotiations and the conclusion of the agreement. Likewise, and as he did in 2025, he has asked to appear before the Lower House of Parliament to explain the treaty again.

Non official translation