Gibraltar Sets April 10 Deadline for Provisional EU Treaty Application Amid Border system Concerns
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Gibraltar has set a firm deadline of April 10, 2026, to begin the “provisional†application of its treaty with the European Union, a move driven not by political calculation but by logistical necessity. The urgency stems from a desire to preempt potential disruptions caused by the EU’s forthcoming electronic entry and exit system (EES) at the La Verja crossing, which could create a significant biometric bottleneck between Gibraltar and La LÃnea de La Concepción.
The timeline is dictated by the phased rollout of the EES, which will be fully operational at all external crossings of EU member countries as of April 10, 2026. According to officials, implementing the treaty after this date risks turning the border into a logistical nightmare.
The government of Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has acknowledged that the infrastructure required for the new Schengen border — agreed upon in brussels — will not be completed in time for a later launch. Sources indicate the primary challenge lies in constructing a building to house joint border control offices for both Spanish and Gibraltarian authorities, situated midway between the two territories. “There is now open talk of ‘provisional infrastructure’ to be able to activate the agreement ‘temporarily’ and then replace it with the definitive one,†a senior official stated.
A Treaty Four Years in the Making
The path to this agreement has been protracted, marked by “advances and setbacks†over the past four years. A political agreement was finally reached in June 2024 between the European Commission, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the Government of Gibraltar, signaling a significant step forward in post-Brexit negotiations.
At the heart of the treaty is a fundamental shift in border control. The Schengen border area will move to the airport, while land customs controls at the historic Fence — built in the late 1960s — will be entirely eliminated. This would effectively integrate Gibraltar into the free movement area of the Schengen zone, operating under Spanish protection, as the United Kingdom is not a member. The treaty is currently undergoing a “legal scrubbing†phase by both the EU and the UK before formal ratification.
Despite the complexities, sources express confidence that the April 10 deadline is achievable, encompassing both the treaty’s publication and ratification, and also the establishment of initial provisional facilities.
Preparations Underway for New Border Regime
Delegations from the National Police and representatives from Spain’s Interior and exterior ministries have already visited the airport to assess the necesary technology and infrastructure for the joint installation. The Spanish Government has not disputed reports of these visits.The proposed scheme involves surveillance by Frontex agents and the Spanish Police, operating in a “Schengen way.â€
Meanwhile, Picardo’s management has initiated a series of information sessions with key stakeholders in Gibraltar, including the Customs Service, Coast and Border Control, local police, and business representatives. Concerns among the business community regarding the potential impact of the new arrangements are being addressed. A key message being consistently relayed is that “there will be no redundancies or changes in roles†for Customs and the Border Agency.
The implementation of this treaty represents a pivotal moment for Gibraltar, reshaping its relationship with both the EU and Spain.While challenges remain in finalizing the infrastructure and legal details, the April 10 deadline underscores the commitment to a smooth transition and the avoidance of significant disruption at the border.
