The European Commission has announced that its inspectors found no evidence that Spain had broken the law by tightening controls at its border with Gibraltar.
The UK has insisted that the introduction of more checks – which caused lengthy delays for holiday-makers over the summer – was “politically motivated”.
While concluding that Spain had not acted unlawfully, the EU, however, encouraged better management of the border.
Michele Cercone, Spokesman for EU Home Affairs Commissioner, told reporters: “The European Commission is calling on member states to take further measures to better address the challenges of the management of the crossing point at La Linea de la Concepcion.”
Madrid introduced stricter checks at the border following a row with Gibraltar. The British territory created an artificial reef, which Spain said blocked access for its fishing boats and caused environmental damage.