News

Brussels is set to release the full legal text of the agreement concerning Gibraltar this week, marking a significant step towards resolving post-Brexit relations between the UK, Spain, and the European Union. The agreement, finalized after nearly four years of negotiations, aims to abolish the historic border fence and establish a recent framework for cooperation.

The forthcoming publication, announced by Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, will allow for detailed scrutiny of the treaty’s provisions. This agreement addresses a key sticking point in the Brexit negotiations, promising smoother movement of people and goods between Gibraltar, and Spain. The treaty’s completion, initially announced on June 11, 2025, is expected to come into effect in early 2026, according to sources from the European Commission.

The agreement centers on establishing a post-Brexit relationship for Gibraltar, eliminating the 1.2-kilometer border fence erected by the United Kingdom in 1909. This fence has long symbolized the sovereignty dispute between the UK and Spain. The move towards removing this physical barrier represents a major shift in the dynamic between the parties involved. Negotiations involved Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares, then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo.

A core principle of the agreement is prioritizing the needs of the people of Gibraltar. The UK-EU Gibraltar Trade and Mobility Agreement, reached in June 2025, aims to provide certainty and clarity for citizens and businesses following the disruption caused by Brexit. Gibraltar will maintain full control over its own border checks at its external borders, mirroring its current practices, while eliminating controls at the land border with Spain, aligning with the Schengen Area’s principles of free movement. The Gibraltar government highlighted the positive impact this will have on the local economy.

Key Provisions of the Agreement

The treaty outlines a new relationship between the EU and Gibraltar, focusing on trade, mobility, and security. Spain will undertake passport controls at the port and airport of Gibraltar, a key concession in the negotiations. This arrangement aims to facilitate smoother travel while maintaining security standards. The agreement as well addresses concerns regarding the economic impact of Brexit on the region, seeking to foster continued prosperity for both Gibraltar and surrounding areas.

The completion of the legal text followed months of complex discussions after the initial agreement was announced. Representatives from the EU and the UK worked diligently to translate the political understanding into a legally binding document. The text is now undergoing review by the governing bodies of both the European Union and the United Kingdom before it can be formally signed and concluded. Euro Weekly News reported the finalization of the text on December 18, 2025.

While the agreement has been lauded as a historic step forward, it also represents a complex compromise. The UK will continue to apply passport checks with Gibraltar, ensuring that the new arrangements do not impact its own border controls. This balance between free movement and security is central to the treaty’s success.

What’s Next for Gibraltar?

The publication of the legal text this week marks a crucial stage in the process. Once reviewed and ratified by both the EU and the UK, the treaty will come into effect in early 2026, ushering in a new era of cooperation and removing a longstanding symbol of division. The focus will then shift to the practical implementation of the agreement, ensuring a smooth transition for citizens and businesses. The agreement is expected to foster economic growth and strengthen ties between Gibraltar, Spain, and the wider European Union.

The coming months will be critical as the details of the treaty are disseminated and implemented. Continued dialogue and collaboration between all parties will be essential to ensure the agreement’s long-term success. The removal of the border fence and the establishment of a new framework for cooperation represent a significant milestone in the post-Brexit landscape.

What are your thoughts on the Gibraltar agreement? Share your comments below and let us know how you think this will impact the region. Don’t forget to share this article with your network!

Newark, NJ – A growing recognition of artificial intelligence’s pervasive influence is prompting educators in Newark, New Jersey, to rethink curriculum and prioritize “AI literacy” for students. Rather than simply preparing students to use AI tools, the focus is shifting towards equipping them to understand, critically evaluate, and even *drive* the technology, rather than be passively directed by it.

The initiative comes as AI tools, like ChatGPT, become increasingly integrated into daily life, and particularly within educational settings. Concerns about responsible use, potential biases, and the evolving job market are driving the need for a more proactive approach to AI education. The goal isn’t to ban these tools, but to empower students to navigate them effectively and ethically.

Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Future

Teachers at the Newark school are emphasizing that understanding AI is becoming as fundamental as traditional literacy skills. The shift reflects a broader national trend, with a recent College Board study revealing that the majority of high school students are already using generative AI for schoolwork. The study, based on surveys administered between June 2024 and earlier this year, highlights the rapid adoption of tools like ChatGPT.

This isn’t about teaching students to code AI, though some may pursue that path. It’s about fostering critical thinking skills to assess the information generated by AI, understand its limitations, and recognize potential biases. Educators desire students to be able to discern fact from fiction in an age where AI can create increasingly realistic, yet potentially misleading, content.

Beyond Avoiding Cheating: A New Approach to AI in Education

While initial concerns surrounding AI in schools centered on academic dishonesty, the conversation has evolved. A Pew Research Center analysis from January 2025 showed that approximately 26% of U.S. Teens had used ChatGPT for schoolwork, a significant increase from 13% in 2023. However, educators in Newark are looking beyond simply preventing cheating.

The focus is on developing a deeper understanding of how AI works, its potential applications, and its ethical implications. This includes discussions about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the impact of AI on various industries. Teachers are aiming to equip students with the skills to become informed and responsible citizens in an AI-driven world.

The approach also acknowledges the growing role AI plays in students’ personal lives. A recent report from Common Sense Media, cited in an Associated Press article, found that more than 70% of teens have used AI companions, with half using them regularly. This highlights the need to address the emotional and social aspects of AI interaction.

The Broader National Conversation

Newark’s initiative is part of a larger national conversation about integrating AI literacy into education. A report from NPR highlighted findings from a Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) study, revealing that nearly 1 in 5 high schoolers have had a romantic relationship with AI or recognize someone who has. The study also found a correlation between increased AI use in schools and exposure to data breaches and AI-generated deepfakes.

This underscores the importance of not only teaching students *how* to use AI, but also *how to protect themselves* from its potential harms. The CDT report emphasizes the need for schools to address issues like online safety, data privacy, and the responsible use of AI tools.

As AI continues to evolve, the need for AI literacy will only become more critical. The Newark school’s proactive approach serves as a model for other institutions seeking to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly AI-driven future. The next steps will involve ongoing curriculum development, teacher training, and collaboration with industry experts to ensure that students are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in this new landscape.

What are your thoughts on the integration of AI literacy into school curriculums? Share your comments below and let us know how you think schools should prepare students for an AI-driven future.