BRUSSELS, July 14 (Xinhua) -- The European Union(EU), Britain and Spain on Tuesday signed an agreement on Gibraltar's future status in Brussels, removing routine checks at the land border between Gibraltar and Spain.
The agreement was signed by European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic, British Minister of State for Europe Stephen Doughty, Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno.
It will remove routine border checks between Gibraltar and Spain and bring Gibraltar closer to the EU through alignment with Schengen rules and customs arrangements.
According to the agreement, it will significantly facilitate the movement of goods and workers between Gibraltar and Spain, boosting economic links between Gibraltar and the EU.
The status of Gibraltar has been under discussion between the EU and Britain since Brexit in 2020. Negotiations concluded in June 2025 with a broad agreement involving the four parties: the EU, Britain, Spain and Gibraltar.
Under the procedure, the agreement will be submitted to the European Parliament for consent this winter, while the Council of the EU has authorized its provisional application from July 15, 2026. ■