EU, UK sign treaty on Gibraltar's post-Brexit status

The European Union and the United Kingdom signed a treaty today on Gibraltar's status, concluding more than four years of negotiations on issues surrounding the British overseas territory after Brexit, Report's European bureau informs.

The agreement will provisionally enter into force on July 15.

The treaty, signed in Brussels by UK Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty and European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič, completes the formation of the legal framework for relations between the EU, the UK and Gibraltar following Britain"s withdrawal from the European Union.

According to a statement by the British government, the agreement will ensure smooth movement of people and goods across the border between Gibraltar and Spain, provide greater certainty for businesses and residents, and open up new opportunities for economic growth.

At the same time, London stressed that the treaty protects British sovereignty over Gibraltar and guarantees the autonomous operation of British military facilities.

After Brexit, Gibraltar was included in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the UK and the EU, which created the risk of strict border controls. About 15,000 people cross the land border between Spain and Gibraltar every day, accounting for more than half of the territory's workforce.

"This historic agreement provides certainty for the people and businesses of Gibraltar, protects British sovereignty and our military facilities," Doughty said.

According to the UK Foreign Office, the treaty has received unanimous support from Gibraltar"s government and parliament.