Following the European Commission’s fact finding mission at the Gibraltar – Spain Frontier in September, the Commission today announced that letters have been sent to the authorities of Spain and the United Kingdom addressing the issues raised by the border and customs controls between Spain and Gibraltar.

The mission came about as a result of a gamut of complaints received by the Commission on unjust Spanish border controls that have resulted in extensive vehicle and pedestrian queues this year. The Commission reported that they have ‘not found evidence to conclude that the checks on persons and goods as operated by the Spanish authorities at the crossing point of La Línea de la Concepción have infringed the relevant provisions of Union law’.

In a statement released this afternoon the Commission explained that they believe authorities on both sides could take further measures to better address these challenges. They are addressing these recommendations to both Member States.

In its letter to Spain, the Commission recommends that space at the frontier be optimised to allow for a greater fluidity of traffic. The Commission also recommends that they carry out more targeted checks, based on a refined risk analysis, in order to reduce the large amount of random border controls. They also suggest that Spain develops the exchange of information with the United Kingdom on tobacco smuggling.

In its letter to the United Kingdom, the Commission recommends that Gibraltar optimises legislation and safeguards in view of contributing to an efficient fight against tobacco smuggling and develops the exchange of intelligence on tobacco smuggling with Spain.

Finally, the Commission encourages both Spanish and Gibraltarian Authorities to strengthen their dialogue with each other in order to tackle smuggling and cross border crime, and maintain a smooth flow of traffic.

The Commission will continue to monitor the situation at the crossing point of La Línea de la Concepción and has asked to receive information from both authorities within six months on how the recommendations have been taken into consideration.