Gibraltar: border fence with Spain now history
Border controls between Spain and the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar have been abolished. A post-Brexit agreement negotiated between London and Brussels that came into force on Wednesday also provides for the removal of the border fence erected in 1908. For commuters in particular, this means an end to hours of waiting at the border. Commentators take a closer look at the ramifications.
The promises just need to become reality
La Vanguardia sees this as a relief:
“Some may find it paradoxical that it was Brexit that led to the agreement which came into force yesterday, easing Gibraltar's relations with the EU, and by extension with Spain. ... However, the most significant aspect is that the decision was made to pursue negotiation and reach an agreement, and ultimately, a pragmatic approach prevailed, making life easier both for Spanish workers who commute daily to Gibraltar and for Gibraltarians, who will be able to push forward their initiatives under better conditions. Now all that remains is for these promises of new economic collaboration and shared development to become a reality.”
Consolidating a detrimental special status
El Mundo is sceptical:
“Spain is making no headway with its claim to sovereignty over the Rock, and the British commitments are pretty vague. Moreover, Gibraltar's economic model won't change that much. ... With virtually no industry, it has built its prosperity on a model based on financial services, online gambling and very low tax rates which effectively make it a sophisticated offshore jurisdiction, just a few metres from Spain. The problem is that the agreement does not dismantle this model but actually consolidates it.”
New era for relations
The Times approves:
“The agreement immediately eases the daily movement of about 15,000 cross-border workers, encouraging tourism and investment and allowing Gibraltar's airport to receive flights from across the Schengen area. In return, the British territory will introduce a transaction tax resembling VAT, align parts of its economy more closely with EU rules and move immigration checks from the land frontier to its airport.... Officials in Madrid argue that resolving the last major practical legacy of Brexit should allow Britain and Spain to deepen cooperation between two Nato allies on defence, trade, transport and foreign policy, even as their competing claims over Gibraltar remain unresolved.”