Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris
So, no actual story then.
Spain’s “final say” occurs because the Frontex officers deployed to help Gibraltar integrate into Schengen will be Spanish ones. It’s their job to teach Gib’s own officials how to interpret Schengen rules. It is not their job to point at individuals arriving at Gibraltar Port or the airstrip and tell Gibraltar immigration officials to deny them entry.
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Gibraltar or the UK won't have access to the Schengen database so Spanish police officers will work behind the scenes hence Spain's final say claim.
Only the customs officers of Frontex will be public-facing. This is not a one-off training exercise to pass on knowledge to Gibraltans, it is a four-year contract which will either continue under Frontex or directly with Spanish officers.
The key benefit for using Frontex for now and not Spanish officers directly is that travellers arriving in Gibraltar are approached by agents in EU uniforms, not Spanish uniforms. After four years, Frontex members are anticipated to be replaced by Spanish officers. However, the agreement incorporates a consultation process which could extend Frontex's presence.