Sánchez hails Gibraltar border deal, calls it 'new era'

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez hailed the demolition of the border fence with Gibraltar as the dawn of a new era, closing a "three-century-old open wound" following the UK's departure from the European Union. The symbolic act coincided with the entry into force of a new agreement governing relations between the EU and the British Overseas Territory.

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opens a new era, a new time full of opportunities and excitement, and closes 'an open wound' that has existed for three centuries, since it belonged to the United Kingdom.

Speaking at the border, Sánchez emphasized that the removal of the barrier ushers in a period of shared prosperity, particularly benefiting the Spanish region of Campo de Gibraltar. He described the fence's fall as the end of the last wall on continental Europe, a barrier that had impacted thousands of daily commuters and families for generations.

Sánchez attributed the breakthrough to political will, overcoming a political approach that he suggested confused prudence with inaction and prioritized past conflicts over future solutions. He acknowledged the negotiations were challenging but expressed satisfaction with an outcome that, he stressed, does not compromise Spain's claim to sovereignty over Gibraltar while aligning with national interests and international law.

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opens a period of shared prosperity.

The agreement, according to Sánchez, is "fair" and fully meets Spain's objectives regarding the free movement of people and goods. It ensures that any EU citizen legally residing in Spain can work in Gibraltar under equal conditions. Dignitaries present included the European Commissioner for Trade and Security Maros Sefcovic, UK Ambassador to Spain Alex Ellis, and Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.

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It is a fair agreement that protects our interests and more than meets the objectives we set for ourselves in the negotiation.