Spain will have veto power over residency permits in Gibraltar
Spain will have the authority to veto residency permits in Gibraltar under a new treaty between the EU and the UK post-Brexit.
A new treaty between the European Union and the United Kingdom will establish extensive political, legal, commercial, economic, institutional, and social ties between the British overseas territory of Gibraltar and Spain. This treaty, consisting of 336 articles and 46 annexes, aims to facilitate cooperation and create a free movement area similar to the Schengen Zone, following Brexit. One of the key implications is the planned demolition of the barrier that has separated Gibraltar from Spain for over a century, fostering a closer relationship between the neighboring areas.
As part of this framework, the treaty introduces a 'double lock' system, which grants Spanish authorities the power to veto entry into Gibraltar for travelers coming from Spain. This provision indicates Spain's increased control and influence over residency and movement in Gibraltar, which has long been a point of contention between the two territories. The changes could reshape the dynamics of border interactions and residency regulations, affecting both local communities and those seeking to settle in Gibraltar.
The introduction of a veto system is a significant step in redefining Gibraltar's relationship with Spain post-Brexit, highlighting the complexities of sovereignty and jurisdiction in the region. While the treaty aims for greater integration, it also raises questions about the implications for Gibraltarians, who may have to navigate new legal and bureaucratic pathways under Spanish oversight. This development is likely to have lasting impacts on the sociopolitical landscape of Gibraltar and its connections with Spain.