Question 11 February 2015 William (The Earl of) Dartmouth (EFDD-UKIP)
Subject: Free movement into Gibraltar
In December 2014, two British citizens took a cruise to Spain and purchased an excursion into Gibraltar. Upon attempting to enter, Spanish border officials ordered them off their coach and left them without aid. Gibraltar falls under the laws and regulations of the European Union. Will there be repercussions for this disregard on the part of Spanish authorities of the fundamental right of the European citizen to free movement?
Answer 23 March 2015 Commissioner Jourova
The free movement of citizens constitutes one of the fundamental freedoms of the internal market and is at the heart of the European project. Consequently, restrictions to that freedom must be interpreted strictly.
The Commission is not aware of the reasons which led the Spanish authorities to the behaviour described by the Honourable Member and thus cannot assess the individual case in the light of EC law on free movement.
Judicial redress procedures are available to Union citizens who have been refused entry into another Member State. Where they have suffered damage, national courts can award reparation.