Gibraltar Treaty Implementation: Stakeholder Update

Gibraltar is preparing for a new treaty with spain and the European Union that officials say will safeguard jobs and ensure a prosperous future for the community.The Government of Gibraltar has begun detailed briefings with key stakeholders-including customs, police, immigration, and business groups-on the treaty’s implementation.

Treaty Implementation Moves Forward, reassuring Gibraltar Residents

The new agreement aims to facilitate cross-border movement while protecting Gibraltar’s sovereignty and economic interests.

• The treaty’s implementation phase has begun, moving beyond planning.
• Gibraltar’s government guarantees no job losses for Customs and Border and Coastguard agency personnel.
• Infrastructure development, including a joint Schengen facility at the airport, is underway.
• The treaty is expected to be debated in the Gibraltar Parliament and ratified by the UK and EU.

Did you know?-gibraltar has been under British sovereignty since 1713, following its capture from Spain during the War of the Spanish Succession.

Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo emphasized the treaty’s benefits,stating it will “create great opportunities for our citizens and our businesses.” He added that the agreement fully safeguards “red lines on sovereignty, jurisdiction and control.”

Infrastructure Development and Timelines

Recent visits from Spanish authorities, including representatives from the National Police and Ministries of the Interior and Foreign Affairs, have centered on the practicalities of building the necessary infrastructure. A key component is the creation of a joint Schengen facility at the airport. While the full infrastructure may not be ready by the planned date of April 10, the government is exploring interim solutions to allow the treaty’s essential aspects to take effect as scheduled, with final installations completed in the following months.

what happens if the infrastructure isn’t fully ready by April 10? The Government of Gibraltar is developing interim solutions to ensure the core elements of the treaty can be implemented on schedule, with final installations completed later.

Attorney General Michael Llamas announced that the full text of the treaty will be published within weeks. He noted that dedicated working groups are meeting weekly to advance implementation, with a goal of having interim infrastructure operational by April 10.

Reassurances for public sector Workers

The government has explicitly assured Customs and Border and Coastguard Agency agents that the treaty’s request will not result in dismissals or changes to their roles.Deputy Chief Minister Joseph Garcia highlighted the importance of developing a second-line controls area at the airport, supported by advanced technology, to ensure efficient cross-border movement.

Picardo reiterated this reassurance, stating, “This Treaty protects their jobs, roles and responsibilities, there will be no job losses in any area of public management as a result of this agreement.” He also pointed to the imminent applicability of the Entry and Exit System (SES) from April 10, indicating preparations are underway for a provisional application on that date.

Pro tip-Stay informed about the treaty’s progress by checking the gibraltar government’s official website for updates and published documents.

The Government of Gibraltar reaffirms its commitment to the treaty’s effective and timely