EU to impose hard border on Gibraltar with bitter Brexit move: 'It will be a 'disaster'
Gibraltar's "way of life will disappear" if the new rules are brought in, it has been warned.
The people of Gibraltar are facing uncertainty as the EU prepares to impose post-Brexit border changes that could cause chaos in the territory.
On November 10, Brussels will bring in its Entry-Exit System (EES) at all borders, effectively resulting in a har-border between the Rock and its neighbour Spain.
Since the UK left the EU, the Spanish government has taken a relaxed approach to allow time for the EU and UK to come to an agreement regarding Gibraltar's long-term future.
But talks aimed at implementing common travel area between Gibraltar and the EU’s passport-free Schengen Zone have stalled.
An open border is vitally important for the 15,000 people who cross the border every day for work and other reasons.
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A huge 96 percent of Gibraltarians voted to remain in the EU back in 2016.
A hard border will therefore cause "chaos" for Gibraltarians, the people of the territory have warned.
Luis Romero, journalist and honorary professor at the University of Cádiz, told the HuffPost: "These over 15,000 people are Gibraltar's only leverage to 'blackmail' Spain positively.
"But it's also true that if these people don't cross over, Gibraltar's way of life disappears since its economy largely depends on these workers. For example, 80 percent of staff at Gibraltar's only hospital are Spanish professionals. Who would then care for patients?"
He added: "Can anyone imagine the queues forming at eight in the morning with thousands trying to enter simultaneously?
"Especially considering that Gibraltar's government has already said it will impose on Spaniards the same impediments Spaniards impose on Gibraltarians entering or leaving their territory."
Antonio Varela, president of Campo de Gibraltar's Official College of Customs Agents, said: "It would be quite disastrous and result in significant losses for everyone..."There would be no point having agents if goods can circulate freely."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer held talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the European Political Community summit held at Blenheim Palace earlier this summer.
Mr Sanchez said after the meeting: “We were very close to reaching an agreement with the previous government, but the elections in the United Kingdom were brought forward."
