The European Commission has formally adopted proposals to fast-track the post-Brexit treaty governing Gibraltar’s relationship with the Schengen Area www.theolivepress.es. This legislative move bypasses lengthy ratification processes to ensure the agreement is operational before the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) launches on April 10. By implementing these provisional measures now, Brussels aims to prevent the severe border congestion expected when stricter biometric checks for non-EU nationals become mandatory across the continent.

This development is critical for regional stability, as approximately 15,000 workers cross the frontier daily between Spain and the British Overseas Territory. The treaty proposes moving the primary Schengen border controls to Gibraltar’s airport and seaport, effectively allowing for the removal of the physical land border fence. While the move facilitates smoother logistics, it remains subject to political scrutiny in London, where opposition leaders are demanding full transparency regarding the specific sovereignty and security provisions contained within the document.

Travelers and commuters should prepare for a transition to dual border controls at Gibraltar’s entry points, managed by both local and EU-aligned authorities. While the treaty aims to maintain fluidity, the upcoming EES implementation still requires non-EU citizens to undergo digital registration, which may cause initial delays during the rollout phase. Visitors are advised to monitor official government updates from both the UK and Spain as the April deadline approaches to confirm specific documentation requirements for crossing.