Dear Members, As we look ahead to 2026, we wanted to take a moment to speak to you directly about what lies ahead, what we know so far, and how the GFSB is supporting you through what will be an important year of change. Like many of you, we are hopeful that 2026 will finally bring publication and implementation of the Brexit treaty. That remains the single biggest milestone on the horizon. Not because it removes all uncertainty, but because it replaces limbo with a framework we can work within.

Tourism policy is entering a decisive phase, with big ambitions set against some unresolved practical questions. In an interview with the Gibraltar Chronicle, Tourism Minister the Hon. Christian Santos outlined plans centred on access, infrastructure and events. For businesses, the key issue is not intent, but whether these plans will translate into sustained demand on the ground.

Main Street traders have reported a broadly positive festive trading period, with strong local support, resilient spending patterns and a vibrant town centre atmosphere despite challenging weather conditions and wider economic uncertainty. Several retailers noted that Christmas shopping began earlier than usual, with steady demand from local customers from late November.

The UK, EU, Gibraltar and Spain have completed work on the legal text of the long-awaited UK–EU treaty covering Gibraltar’s post-Brexit relationship. The news that work on the legal text of the UK–EU treaty on Gibraltar has been completed did not come from No.6 Convent Place, but from the Gibraltar Chronicle via Brussels. That aside, it is a major milestone, but it is by no means the end of the process. Several formal stages still lie ahead before the treaty can take effect.

Our Thrive EDIT newsletter is reaching a growing community of subscribers and this year alone we've shared 50 editions and hundreds of news updates that matter to GFSB members. From a transformed HQ to big policy updates, new partnerships and long-awaited Treaty-related announcements, here are some of the our GFSB and Thrive EDIT highlights from the last 12 months.