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Spanish President Pedro Sánchez travelled to London last Wednesday, September 3, to meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street, celebrating what he called “a fundamental agreement” on Gibraltar and signing a wide-ranging bilateral deal on political and economic cooperation.

 

During the visit, Sánchez hailed the progress reached with the United Kingdom and the European Union to remove border barriers and checks between Spain and Gibraltar.

 

“We are aligned governments,” he told reporters, highlighting his understanding with Starmer and their shared positions on issues such as climate change and the “terrible” situation in Gaza.

 

The British Prime Minister, in turn, thanked his “friend Pedro” for the visit and welcomed the signing of the “strategic bilateral framework,” which aims to cement cooperation in foreign policy, defence, climate, and transport.

 

The new Gibraltar agreement, a result of months of negotiation, is about to be finalised and, if approved in time, is expected to be ratified in December. Both sides are considering demolishing the Gibraltar fence, the physical border between La Línea and the Rock, as early as January, marking the end of border checks and controls for travellers and goods. The hope is to boost trade and economic ties while easing movement and daily life for locals on both sides of the border.

 

The new deal also includes setting up a joint economic forum to promote investment between Spain and the UK. According to a statement from the Spanish government, the two countries have now committed to enhanced cooperation not just in trade but also security, judicial affairs, and the fight against crime. Collaboration will be strengthened in foreign policy, development, and defence, as well as in areas like tourism, education, arts, sport, industry, and transport.

 

“This visit is very important for the Spanish government and people,” Sánchez said, praising his counterpart for “successfully reaching a fundamental agreement” and for “restarting relations with the EU” after the difficulties of Brexit. The final text of the Gibraltar agreement is currently being ironed out and should be ready by October.

 

If all goes to plan, the two countries are set to erase one of Europe’s last land barriers, reshaping cross-border relations and opening the next chapter for both Spain and the UK.

 

 

Image: Guy Percival/Pixabay