How does the 2026 UK/EU Treaty in relation to Gibraltar expand cooperation with EU law enforcement agencies?
Short answer
The UK/EU Treaty in relation to Gibraltar, provisionally applied since 15 July 2026, contains a dedicated title on law enforcement and judicial cooperation. It provides for cooperation with Europol and Eurojust, exchange of criminal record information, surrender of wanted persons, mutual legal assistance, and the freezing and confiscation of criminal assets, alongside police cooperation and anti-money laundering provisions.
Detailed answer
The treaty sets out a structured framework for security cooperation between Gibraltar and EU partners. Its law enforcement and judicial cooperation title covers: Cooperation with Europol, the EU's law enforcement agency. Cooperation with Eurojust, the EU's criminal justice cooperation agency. Exchange of criminal record information. Surrender of persons wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence. Mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. Freezing and confiscation of the proceeds of crime. The treaty also contains a chapter on police cooperation linked to the Schengen arrangements, and a separate title on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing. These tools help Gibraltar investigate and respond to cross-border crime now that routine checks at the land frontier have been removed. Policing and justice remain the responsibility of the Gibraltar authorities; the treaty provides for cooperation and does not transfer those functions to Spain or the EU.