Gibraltar’s gate has the days counted: United Kingdom and Spain are trusting demolishing it in January 2026

by Andrea
0 comments
Gibraltar's gate has the days counted: United Kingdom and Spain are trusting demolishing it in January 2026

One of the most symbolic borders in Europe has the days counted. To meet the expected deadlines, The gate that separates Gibraltar from the Line of the Conception since 1969 will be demolished in January 2026ending more than half a century of border controls. , Brussels, Madrid and London finalize the legal text that will open the rock to the Schengen spacein what is considered a “Historical Agreement” For Spain, the United Kingdom and the European Union.

They trust in October this definitive legal texttheft of so that it can be ratified around Christmas and go into force shortly after. The main minister Gibraltareño, Fabian Picardoavoid setting concrete dates, but ensures that all the actors involved work to accelerate the calendar.

The eraser in English is very advanced, although community sources warn that The procedure could be delayedsince, as several sources from the European Commission have explained The country, The text should be translated into 23 languages and overcome the Voting in the European Parliamentwhere “Spain has to make a diplomatic effort because Some legal fringe can present complications with the Eurodiputados of some countries“.

“We will eliminate all physical barriers”

The political pact achieved in June between London, Madrid, Brussels and Gibraltar ended years of tensions and cleared the most delicate pitfalls: the indirect taxation and the SCHENGE CONTROL APPLICATION.

We will eliminate all physical barriers, Controls about people and goods that cross between Spain and Gibraltar, but maintaining the Schengen zone integrityhe European Single Market and the Customs Union“The Commissioner for Commerce and European Negotiator explained months ago with the United Kingdom, Maros Sefcovic.

It is intended to end the Double control model in the port and the Gibraltareños airportmanaged by the Spanish and local police and the future customs union of the EU. It is also expected to establish a New tax system in Gibraltarwhich includes tobaccowith the objective of Avoid distortions and foster the economy of the Gibraltar field.

Concern among customs workers

Beyond technical issues, Brussels underlines the Symbolic value of the fence demolitionerected in 1969 and reopened in the 1980s, but still Physically separates thousands of cross -border workers. For the EU, its elimination means “Recoser” Schengen and close one of the last wounds open by Brexit, comparable to that of Northern Ireland.

However, the agreement has revived old controversies on sovereignty. The former Spanish Minister José Manuel García-Margallo He described it as “Total surrender”while the European Commission insists that this issue was never on the table.

Pedro Sánchez’s government defends that It is the “best possible agreement”and trust that promotes both the bilateral relationship with the United Kingdoma strategic partner in trade and investments, such as common position of London and Brussels in an international context marked by war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East.

On the other hand, the disappearance of customs controls on the border with Gibraltar, generated restlessness in the Gibraltar field, where More than 40 workers in the customs sector could lose their jobs if the merchandise dispatch activity ceases.

He TPA Coordinating Union transferred this concern to Juan Francomayor of the line. Alberto MesaUnion Regional Coordinator, He thanked the mayor for his “immediate reaction” and his “total alignment” with the defense of these positions. Franco promised to raise the matter to the Commonwealth of Municipalities, the Provincial Council, the Junta de Andalucía and the Government of Spain.

“It takes political will so that this is not in the air”said Mesa, who said that the action of administrations was urgent to avoid unwanted social consequences.

On the contrary, the Sociocultural Association of Spanish Workers in Gibraltar (ASTEG). “We are Very satisfied. At last the decisive moment has been reached, we already had the lost hopes of waiting so much, “said his spokesman, Juan José Uceda, to Efe. It is estimated that Some 15,000 employees cross this border daily to go to their workplaces, of which Around 10,000 are Spanish citizens. “That was the main obstacle For workers, “he denounced.

If the calendar is fulfilled, the fall of the fence in 2026 will not only transform everyday life in the field of Gibraltar, but also It will redefine relations between Spain, the United Kingdom and the European Union.

source

You may also like

Our Company

News USA and Northern BC: current events, analysis, and key topics of the day. Stay informed about the most important news and events in the region

Latest News

@2024 – All Right Reserved LNG in Northern BC