EU-UK Treaty Removes Gibraltar-Spain Border Fence
A new treaty between the European Union and the United Kingdom started at midnight. It removed border checks between Gibraltar and Spain.
Gibraltar is a British territory next to Spain. Leaders signed the treaty in Brussels on Tuesday.
It let workers take down the border fence. A ceremony at midnight marked the fence coming down.
Afterward large crowds crossed between Gibraltar and Spain freely. No border checks stopped them.
The deal ends border checks for residents and tourists. It also helps Spanish workers who cross into Gibraltar daily.
Sources say the deal brings Gibraltar into Europe's open-travel Schengen area. Passport checks will move to Gibraltar's airport and port instead.
EU trade official Maroš Šefčovič called it the result of four years of talks. He said it was special to see a fence come down.
Gibraltar's leader Fabian Picardo and La Línea's mayor Juan José Franco hugged as they crossed together. Spain and Gibraltar are celebrating the change. It marks a major shift between the territory and Spain.
Key Terms 3
- Gibraltar A small British territory located on Spain's southern coast.
- Schengen area European zone where people can travel without passport checks.
- Maroš Šefčovič European Union official who handles trade talks.