Spain has spent the past few weeks dealing with intense pressure on its borders, while just across the water, a very different border has been dramatically opened up.

Gibraltar’s land frontier with Spain disappeared on July 15 under the new UK-EU agreement, moving Schengen immigration controls to the Rock’s airport and port. For British expats living on the Costa del Sol, that should mean easier journeys into Gibraltar. Yet Spanish security officers are warning that quicker crossings must not come at the cost of proper border controls.

The timing is particularly interesting. Spain has recently faced a major migration crisis in Ceuta, where tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco, putting enormous pressure on Spanish authorities, and the events in Ceuta have put border security firmly back in the spotlight. That makes one question increasingly relevant: could Gibraltar’s new system create opportunities for people trying to reach the Schengen area illegally?

Guardia Civil warns that security cannot be sacrificed

Olaya Salardon, communications secretary of the Asociación Unificada de la Guardia Civil, has warned that officers need much greater clarity about how the new Gibraltar arrangements will work. “Our concern is not the fence itself, but that security does not become a bargaining chip,” she said. Spanish officers want (and still don’t have) clear information about responsibilities, protocols and which authorities will take charge of particular border and security operations.

That matters because the old physical frontier has not simply disappeared without replacement. Schengen controls have moved to Gibraltar’s airport and port, where Spanish officials and Frontex are involved under the new arrangements.

Salardon has warned that any gaps in security could benefit organised criminal groups rather than ordinary citizens. For British expats who regularly travel between Spain and Gibraltar, that concern is not just theoretical. A border that is quicker to cross is only an improvement if travellers can also have confidence in the system protecting it.

Gibraltar says it must not become a back door into Schengen

Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has also addressed the issue directly. He has argued that the Rock should not be regarded simply as a convenient gateway into the Schengen area. “There has to be an economic relationship with Gibraltar, you have to contribute to Gibraltar loyally,” Picardo said, while also stressing that Gibraltar should not be seen “simply as a door to enter the Schengen area more easily”.

His comments take on added relevance after the recent events in Ceuta. Spanish authorities were faced with a huge influx of people arriving from Morocco, leading to a major security operation and agreements on returning migrants. The episode demonstrated just how quickly pressure can build around Spain’s external borders.

Gibraltar is a completely different situation, and there is no suggestion that the Ceuta events are linked to the Rock. However, both cases underline why control of Europe’s external borders remains such a sensitive issue.

What does this mean for British expats?

For British residents in Spain, the most visible change is likely to be much easier movement by road. Cars travelling between La Linea and Gibraltar no longer face the old routine land-border checks, removing one of the biggest frustrations for commuters, shoppers and visitors. Brexit rules have not, however, disappeared.

British citizens are still subject to the relevant Schengen entry requirements when entering the Schengen area unless they benefit from specific residence or other rights. The new Gibraltar arrangement does not turn a British passport into an EU passport or restore general freedom of movement. That distinction could become increasingly important as people get used to the new border.

Security is not the only issue British expats will notice. Gibraltar has introduced a new Transaction Tax as part of the customs arrangements linked to the treaty. The standard rate started at 15 per cent, with more changes due under the agreed timetable. Gibraltar’s government has also had to correct claims that the new tax automatically means shop prices will rise by 15 per cent.

Officials say the tax is based on the value of goods when imported or produced rather than simply being added to the final price paid by customers. Tobacco, alcohol and fuel are also covered by new arrangements intended to reduce tax differences with Spain and tackle smuggling. For expats who regularly cross the border to shop or fill the car, those changes could eventually be just as noticeable as the disappearance of the old frontier.

The fence has gone: Now the system faces its first real test

Gibraltar’s new border is supposed to make life easier for thousands of people who cross between the Rock and Spain every day. Yet the real test will be whether faster movement can be delivered while maintaining effective immigration, customs and criminal controls.

The Guardia Civil wants reassurance that security will not be sacrificed. Picardo insists Gibraltar should not become an easy gateway into Schengen. Spain’s recent experience in Ceuta shows why those questions matter.

Rojales Local Police have stepped up efforts to combat illegal dumping across the municipality, launching a special summer campaign targeting those responsible for leaving garden waste, furniture and other rubbish in public areas. The operation, which runs until the end of August, is already leading to fines and encouraging residents to help protect their community.

Police step up patrols across Rojales

Rojales Local Police have launched a special campaign to tackle illegal dumping of garden waste, furniture and other rubbish, with increased patrols continuing until the end of August.

The initiative began in response to ongoing problems caused by people leaving waste in streets and public areas instead of disposing of it properly. Officers are carrying out targeted patrols across the municipality in an effort to catch offenders in the act.

As part of the operation, police are examining packaging and other items left among dumped waste to identify those responsible. Officers are also monitoring social media and speaking to residents in affected areas to gather information.

The campaign is already producing results. During its first week, almost a dozen fines were issued, with several cases solved thanks to information provided by residents.

Residents urged to report offenders

Police say illegally dumping pruning waste, old furniture and other household items creates unnecessary cleaning costs and affects the appearance and health of the community.

Residents are being encouraged to continue reporting incidents. Anyone who witnesses illegal dumping can contact the Local Police on (+34) 966 715 129, or by email at policialocal@rojales.es.

Officers are asking people to send photographs or videos where possible, together with the location of the incident. This allows patrols to attend quickly, investigate the reports and take action against those responsible.

The council hopes the campaign will not only deter offenders but also raise awareness of the importance of disposing of waste responsibly, helping to keep Rojales clean, safe and attractive.

A recent horse carriage crash in Fuengirola has reignited debate over whether horse-drawn carriage rides should be banned, particularly during periods of extreme heat. Euro Weekly News readers were asked whether horse carriage rides should be banned, with the majority of respondents firmly in favour. Many focused-on animal welfare, while others acknowledged the impact a ban could have on those who rely on carriage rides for their income.

For Linda McFadden, there should be an end to both horse and donkey rides. She said: “Time to stop those carriage rides plus the donkey rides.”

Animal welfare was also central to Shon Drek’s response, who argued that animals deserve to be treated with the same consideration afforded to other living beings. “Respect for animals is respect for life. They are not toys for us to play games with. They think and they have emotions. They get anxious and bored. It’s incredibly sad to abuse them especially because we are humans with a conscience and should know better.”

Melissa Baker was similarly critical of using horses to transport tourists in high temperatures, saying: “No one wants to see these poor horses in the heat carrying entitled tourists.”

The potential danger to both animals and people was highlighted by Gordon O’Keeffe, who believed accidents could be avoided. “If accidents like this are happening and can easily be prevented, then yes. Horses are skittish at the best of times, unpredictable. Especially in boiling hot weather. Stressed and anxious, they can be very dangerous (point in question) The only other thing to consider is that these are people’s livelihoods, their only source of income perhaps?”

That concern about livelihoods provides another side to the debate, with carriage operators potentially depending on the trade to support themselves and their families. However, for Ali Scott, responsibility ultimately rests with those in charge. “Those in authority need to act and not just talk about it!”

Other readers were unequivocal in their views. Penny Evans simply responded: “Definitely yes.” Robb Spontaneous was equally direct, stating: “Yes. Total animal abuse.”

The responses show strong concern about the welfare of horses used for carriage rides, particularly during periods of extreme heat. While the livelihoods of carriage operators remain an important consideration, most people said horse carriage rides should be banned, reflecting growing concern over whether the tradition can be justified when animal welfare and public safety may be at risk.