The Schengen Agreement and Gibraltar: What You Need to Know
The Schengen Agreement, signed in 1985, is a treaty that established the European Union`s (EU) free movement area, allowing citizens of EU member states to travel within the area without passport control. The agreement was named after the town of Schengen in Luxembourg, where it was signed.
Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory on the southern coast of Spain, is not a member of the EU. However, it is part of the European Union Customs Union and the European Single Market, which allows for the free movement of goods and services.
So, how does the Schengen Agreement affect Gibraltar? As a non-EU member, Gibraltar is not part of the Schengen free movement area. However, due to its location, Gibraltar operates a border with Spain, which is part of the Schengen area. This means that there are border controls in place for those traveling between Gibraltar and Spain.
Furthermore, the Schengen Agreement allows for member states to temporarily reintroduce border controls in exceptional circumstances, such as a terrorist threat or a major event. In 2016, Spain reintroduced border controls at the border with Gibraltar due to concerns over the territory`s status after the Brexit referendum.
The future of Gibraltar`s relationship with the EU and the Schengen Agreement remains uncertain following Brexit. The UK`s withdrawal agreement with the EU includes a protocol on Gibraltar, which provides for a separate deal to be negotiated between the UK and Spain regarding Gibraltar`s future relationship with the EU.
In conclusion, while Gibraltar is not part of the Schengen free movement area, it does operate a border with Spain, which is part of the agreement. The future of Gibraltar`s relationship with the EU and the Schengen Agreement remains uncertain, and we will have to wait and see how negotiations between the UK and Spain develop.