Fenceless

Scheduled for the 15th of July, the border between Spain and Gibraltar will be removed.

This is a result of negotiations between the Uk, Spain, Gibraltar and the EU following Brexit. The agreement allows the free circulation of people and goods between Gibraltar and the EU.

 Javier Martin-Arroyo writes for EL PAÍS “The Spanish town of La Línea de la Concepción lies just 50 meters from the border. It has a population of 63,000 and an unemployment rate of 35%. On the Rock, unemployment is at 1% and GDP per capita is €64,000. The contrast is striking. While Gibraltar thrives and fortunes are pooled and invested, La Línea is dealing with conflictive gangs and drugs. The urban development plan has not been revised in 30 years here and the Spanish Economy Ministry has had to intervene to help shore up the town’s coffers: La Línea has an annual budget of €50 million and a debt of €160 million, a legacy from the days of the deceased politician and controversial celebrity Jesús Gil.”

 My images capture the area and surroundings just outside the border, on the Spanish side. A large extension is being built onto the airport to accommodate further security checks. Many of the buildings are old and worn, litter forms in small heaps and public areas are broken and graffitied.

 What will happen when there is no border to divide these two contrasting places?