Commission adopts proposals for the signing, provisional application and conclusion of EU-UK Agreement in respect of Gibraltar

The European Commission has adopted its proposals for the signature and provisional application, as well as for the conclusion of an agreement in respect of Gibraltar between the European Union and the United Kingdom.

The EU-UK deal in respect of Gibraltar will complete the legal framework of the relations between the EU and the United Kingdom established by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Gibraltar is not included in the scope of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement , signed in 2020 and in force since 2021 .

The main objective of the EU-UK agreement in respect of Gibraltar is to secure the future prosperity of the whole region. This objective will be reached by removing all physical barriers on persons and goods circulating between Spain and Gibraltar, while fully safeguarding Schengen, the EU's Single Market, and its Customs Union.

Next steps

The proposals will now be transmitted to the Council. The Council will proceed with the necessary steps leading to signature and conclusion of the agreement. The European Parliament will need to give its consent, in accordance with the EU treaties.

Background

Following a political agreement on key principles reached in June 2025 between Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, with UK Foreign secretary Lammy and Gibraltar Chief Minister Picardo, the negotiating teams finalised the legal text in December.

Today's agreement will bring confidence and legal certainty to the lives and well-being of the people of the whole region by promoting shared prosperity and close and constructive relations between the Gibraltar and Spanish authorities.

Our goal has been clear and strategic: to secure long-term prosperity for the region, while fully safeguarding Schengen, the EU Single Market and our Customs Union. With 15,000 people crossing daily between Gibraltar and Spain, this is about legal certainty, confidence for businesses and people as well as a cooperative future that reinforces our mutual relationship.

Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency 2026-02-17

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