Story perspectives

Fence Removed, Gibraltar Joins Schengen, Retains 15,500 Workers

7/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

The chain-link fence between La Línea de la Concepción and Gibraltar was removed at midnight on 15 July 2026, ending passport controls.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez attended the opening ceremony, calling the removal the end of an “open wound,” while Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said the deal puts Gibraltar in EU Schengen area.
Business leaders said the smoother border will help retain roughly 15,500 Spanish workers, about half of Gibraltar’s workforce.

History

Historical Context

Spain joined the EU in 1986 and later adopted Schengen rules as the area expanded in the mid-1990s, ending systematic passport checks among members. The 1985 Schengen Agreement and its 1990 Convention created a border-free zone that now comprises 29 EU states and four non-EU members, covering over 450 million people.

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Story summary

The chain-link fence between La Línea de la Concepción and Gibraltar was removed at midnight on 15 July 2026, ending passport controls.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez attended the opening ceremony, calling the removal the end of an “open wound,” while Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said the deal puts Gibraltar in EU Schengen area.
Business leaders said the smoother border will help retain roughly 15,500 Spanish workers, about half of Gibraltar’s workforce.

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