New post-Brexit Gibraltar treaty would allow Spain to control entry rules - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

"Passengers arriving by air in Gibraltar from the UK would face dual border checks, affecting travel times and operational security, as Gibraltar and Spanish authorities conduct separate EU-mandated inspections. The arrangement has been compared to the presence of French border police at St Pancras International railway station, where immigration controls are performed before travellers depart for Europe."

"Gibraltar would align its import duty structure with EU standards to allow the movement of everyday consumer goods without additional declarations or charges. However, the territory would retain its distinctive fiscal system, including the absence of value-added tax and general sales tax."

"The draft treaty explicitly states that no provision should be interpreted as supporting or undermining claims of sovereignty over Gibraltar, reinforcing respect for its status and reassuring stakeholders about its recognised position. The document says that nothing contained in the agreement shall constitute the basis for any assertion or denial of sovereignty."

A draft post-Brexit treaty jointly published by the UK, Gibraltar, and EU governments establishes new border arrangements for Gibraltar. The agreement implements dual border checks for air passengers, with Spanish and Gibraltarian authorities conducting separate EU-mandated inspections. Gibraltar aligns its import duties with EU standards to facilitate goods movement while retaining its distinctive fiscal system, including the absence of VAT and sales tax. The treaty explicitly protects Gibraltar's sovereignty, stating no provision constitutes a basis for sovereignty assertions or denials. Strategic defence installations and RAF operations remain secured under UK Ministry of Defence management, balancing free movement with security and regulatory oversight.

Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com