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world14h ago
Between the Rock and a hard place: Gibraltar’s new post-Brexit rules
- A draft treaty proposes dual border checks for Gibraltar, with Spanish guards handling passport checks at air or sea arrivals.
- The agreement shifts the EU external border from the Spain-Gibraltar line to the Rock’s points of arrival, integrating Gibraltar into Schengen-like movement.
- Gibraltar would not join the EU, but residents could cross into Spain freely under the draft treaty.
- The draft contemplates EU single-market alignment for Gibraltar and jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice on certain matters.
- A new transaction tax starting at 15% would apply to goods imported to Gibraltar for sale.
- The treaty aims to protect UK sovereignty and military autonomy while exploring new opportunities for Gibraltar’s economic future.
- Sovereignty concerns persist in the UK, with some viewing the deal as an erosion of control despite the safeguards.
- The draft is non-binding and requires ratification by UK, Gibraltar, and European parliaments before taking effect.
- Gibraltar’s government expects provisional application of the deal from April if approved.
- Analysts note the agreement seeks to balance security with economic openness for Gibraltar and Spain.
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