Spain and the British overseas territory of Gibraltar have begun a new chapter in their relationship with the removal of long-standing border controls, ending years of uncertainty and easing travel for thousands of daily cross-border commuters.

The changes took effect on Wednesday after the United Kingdom and the European Union formally signed a landmark treaty on Tuesday that streamlines border procedures following years of negotiations triggered by Brexit.

As part of the agreement, the border fence separating Spain and Gibraltar has been fully dismantled, significantly improving the movement of residents, workers and visitors between the two territories.

The breakthrough is expected to reduce delays that have long affected people crossing the frontier for work, business and tourism.

Gibraltar, a self-governing British overseas territory located on Spain’s southern coast, has remained at the center of a longstanding sovereignty dispute.

Spain has continued to claim sovereignty over the territory—commonly known as “The Rock”—since it was ceded to Britain under the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht.

While the new agreement resolves practical issues surrounding border management, it does not alter the competing sovereignty claims, which remain a sensitive issue in relations between London and Madrid.

Officials on both sides have nonetheless hailed the treaty as a significant step toward improving cooperation, strengthening economic ties and ensuring smoother cross-border movement in the post-Brexit era.