Spain and the United Kingdom plan to eliminate the physical border separating La Línea de la Concepción and Gibraltar at the beginning of 2026. The final text of the agreement is expected to be prepared by October, with approval set for December. Dismantling of border facilities will then begin in January.
The agreement reached in June between the European Union, Spain and the United Kingdom defines the new status of Gibraltar following the UK’s exit from the EU. This document resolves the remaining outstanding Brexit-related issues and provides for the removal of physical and administrative barriers for people and goods at the Gibraltar border.
Around 15,000 people cross this section of the border daily, and about 300,000 residents live in Andalusia for whom streamlining border procedures is of significant importance. The local authorities in La Línea de la Concepción consider the upcoming opening of the border to be an important step for the region but note that they are awaiting further information on the details of the agreement’s implementation.
The city council of La Línea is already preparing a memorandum analyzing the challenges and opportunities related to the removal of border controls. The document addresses issues such as the development of urban infrastructure, possible impacts on the real estate market, as well as environmental and tax considerations.
Special attention is being paid to amending urban development plans. Previously, the city’s master plan took the existence of the border into account. Now, following the agreement, development projects for adjacent areas will need to be revised. In particular, the possibility of creating a technology center and building new residential complexes on plots previously occupied by border facilities is being discussed.
Local authorities are also concerned about how the removal of the border will affect housing prices and demand for real estate. The authorities in La Línea plan to submit their proposals and comments to the ministry to ensure the city’s interests are considered during the implementation of the agreement.
The memorandum being prepared by the municipality also addresses other issues related to the removal of the physical border, including potential impacts on the environment and the tax system. Officials stress that these changes should drive economic growth and improve quality of life in the region.
The agreement also provides for the possibility of launching domestic flights between Gibraltar and Madrid, which could further boost the development of transport infrastructure and tourism.
Overall, the upcoming changes open up new opportunities for residents of border areas, businesses, and local authorities. The dismantling of the border between Spain and Gibraltar will be a significant milestone in the region’s history and could serve as an example of how to successfully resolve complex issues that have arisen since Brexit.
