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Gibraltar Fence Dismantled as UK-EU Treaty Adds 15% Tax

7/14/2026

43 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Machinery has been tearing down the Gibraltar border fence each night ahead of the July 15 opening.
Britain and the EU signed a Brussels treaty that removes passport stamps and aligns Gibraltar customs with EU rules.
The deal adds a 15% transaction tax on Gibraltar goods, rising to 17% with higher excise duties, sparking business worries.

History

Historical Context

The 2.5-km steel fence erected by Spain and the United Kingdom in 2006 echoes earlier barriers, from the 1730 Lines of Contravallation demolished in 1810 to the 1909 fence that Spain says annexed 106 ha of neutral ground. After the 13-year border closure (1969-1982) and the 2006 Córdoba agreement, EU-aligned customs now replace the barrier, reshaping Gibraltar trade.

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Story summary

Machinery has been tearing down the Gibraltar border fence each night ahead of the July 15 opening.
Britain and the EU signed a Brussels treaty that removes passport stamps and aligns Gibraltar customs with EU rules.
The deal adds a 15% transaction tax on Gibraltar goods, rising to 17% with higher excise duties, sparking business worries.

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