How are military and dual-use exports controlled under the 2026 UK/EU Treaty in relation to Gibraltar?

Short answer

Under the 2026 UK/EU Treaty in relation to Gibraltar, transfers of items on the EU Common Military List and listed dual-use goods require authorisation by the Spanish competent authority. Spain may also impose controls on certain unlisted dual-use items for public security or human rights reasons.

Detailed answer

Authorisation decisions must take account of international obligations, sanctions, foreign and security policy and the risk of diversion. This framework aligns export controls with EU standards while applying specifically to transfers involving Gibraltar.

UK military equipment and goods for the UK’s own forces may enter Gibraltar by sea or air without authorisation by Spain, reflecting the Treaty’s protections for UK military facilities.

Status: the Agreement was signed on 14 July 2026 and has been provisionally applied since 15 July 2026, pending formal ratification.