Answer given by Mr Avramopoulos on behalf of the Commission

4.4.2016

The Spanish authorities have recently installed Automatic Border Control (ABC) gates on entry and exit at the border between Spain and Gibraltar. Only holders of EU passports and Spanish e-ID cards are eligible for using these gates. For other pedestrians, a manual checking booth is available. According to the figures provided by the Spanish authorities, approximately 20% of the persons eligible for using the ABC gates fail to see their documents authenticated: this failure is principally due to a damaged electronic chip. This figure will go down progressively when the damaged e-documents are renewed and a habit of using the gates is installed.

In October 2015, the Commission carried out a third on-spot visit to the border crossing point of La Linea de la Concepcion. The Commission is regularly informed about the situation at the Spanish-Gibraltar border, including on delays upon entry or exit from Spain. It is committed to continue monitoring this matter and further contribute to improving the situation of the many citizens crossing this border daily. By definition the Commission cannot communicate on possible new, unannounced visits at the border crossing point.