Gibraltar Nears Schengen Deal Amid Ongoing Sovereignty Dispute

Gibraltar is close to finalizing an agreement that could enable its accession to the Schengen Zone, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has confirmed. The final terms may require travelers arriving from the UK to present their passports to Spanish or EU border officials at Gibraltar's airport.

Picardo’s statement came shortly after Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares told UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer that any future UK-EU cooperation must include a comprehensive agreement on Gibraltar. “There are many things we have to discuss—Gibraltar included. I would like to see a global deal to ensure smooth relations,” Albares said.

While Spain is open to an agreement, Albares emphasized that the country is not prepared to give up its long-standing sovereignty claim over Gibraltar. Talks, which began in 2017, have reportedly made steady progress, and Picardo now believes the negotiations are nearing their conclusion.

Gibraltar’s Post-Brexit Status Still Unresolved

Following Brexit, a 2020 provisional agreement between the UK, Spain, and the EU allowed Gibraltar continued access to the Schengen Zone. However, a permanent framework has not yet been established.

Albares reiterated in a Newsnight interview that no final deal has been reached, and the issue remains open. Meanwhile, former UK Foreign Secretary Priti Patel reinforced the UK’s stance, stating, “Gibraltar is British,” and affirming that sovereignty cannot be transferred without the consent of its people.

Gibraltar’s 2006 constitution confirms that any change in sovereignty must be approved by its citizens. In a 2002 referendum, Gibraltarians overwhelmingly rejected the idea of joint sovereignty with Spain.

As talks progress, the political and legal status of Gibraltar continues to play a central role in shaping the territory’s future relationship with both the EU and the UK.