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Britain and EU Sign Gibraltar Treaty to Ease Border Crossings

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Britain and the European Union have formally signed a treaty defining Gibraltar’s post-Brexit status, marking a significant step toward reducing border restrictions and ending years of uncertainty surrounding the British overseas territory. The agreement was signed in Brussels by European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, UK Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno, and Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.

Under the new treaty, Gibraltar residents will be able to cross into Spain using their residence cards without passport stamps, while Spanish citizens can enter Gibraltar using a government-issued identity card. Passengers arriving at Gibraltar Airport will undergo passport checks by both Gibraltar and Spanish border authorities, creating a streamlined system for cross-border travel.

The agreement builds on a deal reached last year and is intended to strengthen cooperation between Britain, Spain, Gibraltar, and the European Union. Gibraltar, a British overseas territory at the southern tip of Spain, has remained a sensitive issue since Brexit. Britain has controlled the territory since the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht, making the new accord an important milestone in managing future border and travel arrangements.

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Over 1,300 Migrants Die Trying to Reach Spain in First Five Months of 2026

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More than 1,300 migrants have died while attempting to reach Spain’s coastline during the first five months of 2026, according to advocacy group Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders). The report recorded 1,317 deaths, including 142 women and 129 children, and noted that 27 migrant boats disappeared entirely with everyone on board.

The findings were released ahead of Pope Leo’s visit to Spain’s Canary Islands, a key destination for migrants crossing from Africa. During his visit, the Pope highlighted the humanitarian crisis facing migrants and called attention to the ethical responsibilities of the international community.

Rights organizations say tighter border controls in countries such as Mauritania are pushing migrants toward longer and more dangerous Atlantic routes. In 2025, more than 3,000 people were reported dead or missing while attempting to reach Spain, underscoring the continuing risks faced by those seeking entry into Europe.

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Finland to close entire Russian border after migrant surge

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Finland has decided to close the majority of its border crossings with Russia, accusing Moscow of actively aiding migrants in their entry into the country. With seven out of eight road posts already closed due to a notable increase in crossings, the last remaining crossing, situated in the Arctic Circle, is set to be shut for a two-week period.

The Finnish government asserts that Russia is orchestrating the movement of asylum seekers towards Finland as part of what they describe as an “influence operation” and a “hybrid attack.” Prime Minister Petteri Orpo emphasized the government’s commitment to putting an end to these crossings, citing concerns for national security.

In November, Finland saw a surge in the number of asylum seekers, totaling around 900 individuals, who entered the country from Russia. These asylum seekers come from various countries, including Morocco, Pakistan, and Syria. The Finnish government’s response to this influx has been a gradual closure of more border posts. The decision has raised concerns from Finland’s non-discrimination ombudsman, who fears that the closures may compromise the right to seek asylum under international law, particularly considering the remote location of the last remaining border crossing, approximately 900 kilometers north of the capital.

Despite the closures, the Finnish government maintains that asylum seekers arriving by boat and air can still seek asylum. However, advocates worry that the decision to close official crossing points may lead asylum seekers to attempt illegal crossings through the vast forests and rivers that make up the lengthy border between Finland and Russia.

With the arrival of winter, there are heightened concerns about the safety of such attempts. Advocates also emphasize the importance of providing assistance to those in need on the Russian side of the border and urge authorities to avoid pushing individuals crossing illegally back into Russia.

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