Pre embarking at GRO/GRN my wife was found to have a sharp sculpting implement which had slipped into the lining of her handbag. The Guardia Civil doing the inspections (in Spain airport security is handled by the Guardia Civil) told her it was no problem taking it on the flight to the UK but she would not be allowed to embark with it in her possession on the return journey.
So much for coordination within the EU.
Incidently the sculpting implement was an expensive one, I was allowed up to the security area and to take it from her.