Brexit
News
Brexit Countdown
If you’ve been following the news, all signs point to EU/UK Treaty negotiations ending soon. Lines are drawn and tensions are high.
Though “optimistic”, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo called on Spain to accept Gibraltar’s “reasonable and well-balanced” treaty proposals, warning that failure to do so would “condemn us all” to difficult border controls. In contrast, Spain’s Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, insisted the UK and Gibraltar must choose between the “comprehensive, balanced, and pragmatic” EU/Spain proposals or face the consequences of stricter EU border controls from November.
What’s happening in November?
If the EU launches its automatic entry/exit system (EES) as planned on November 10th, it could all change at the border. Spain’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel said ‘bridging measures’ would end once the scheme is live, signalling the end of special treatment for Gibraltar red ID card holders, giving many a Brexit ‘reality shock’.
Why does this matter?
The EES would introduce biometric checks (fingerprints and facial scans) for non-EU nationals, including British citizens entering the Schengen zone. For Gibraltar residents, this could mean long-term disruptions at the border as without an agreement, residents may only be permitted to stay in the Schengen area for 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Stricter border checks could create long delays, impacting businesses reliant on cross-border trade.
- Changes could affect workers’ mobility and day-to-day operations for companies on both sides of the border.
- More information is needed on the EES rollout, and its impact on Gibraltar
Needless to say, the outcome of the treaty talks will significantly shape the business environment in Gibraltar and the Campo.
So what now?
With the November 10th deadline looming, businesses must stay informed on treaty developments and prepare for potential changes at the border. If showing a passport becomes necessary when entering Gibraltar, this means you MUST have a passport. We’ll keep sharing what we know, but in the meantime, we recommend checking whether employees actually have a passport, as many may be crossing the border using their national ID card only…
Read the Government’s EES Technical Notice (Published July ’24).
SHARE THIS
OTHER NEWS
Education
Growing Beyond the Owner
For many SMEs, the success of the business has been built on the expertise, relationships and commitment of its owner. This entrepreneurial approach has been instrumental in the growth of many of Gibraltar's successful businesses. However, as organisations develop, dependence on a single individual can become a strategic risk.
Brexit
News
Freight Delays Bite
Imports including medicines, fresh produce and other commercial goods faced significant delays as businesses and Customs adjusted to the Treaty’s new frontier procedures, with some freight reportedly held since the arrangements began on 15 July. The disruption is the clearest early warning that documentation errors and unfamiliar processes can quickly affect stock availability, perishable goods and operating costs across Gibraltar’s retail and wholesale sectors.
Thrive
Level Up This Summer
For many, summer offers something that's in short supply during the rest of the year: space. Space to learn, think differently, meet new people and recharge before the final push towards year-end. If you're looking to make the most of the season, here are three ways to return in September with fresh ideas, renewed energy and a few new connections.
Brexit
What a Week!
Over the past two years, I must have written more words about the Treaty than almost any other subject. Through the Thrive EDIT, I've tried to cut through the politics and focus on what really matters to Gibraltar's business community. We've unpacked customs guidance, explained residency proposals, questioned support measures, covered Government announcements, highlighted members' concerns and, where necessary, asked awkward questions on your behalf. The aim has always been the same: to make one of the biggest economic changes in Gibraltar's history feel just a little easier to understand.
Advocacy
Events
Representing your interests
At the GFSB, we believe membership should deliver real value. That means more than simply representing businesses around the table. It means creating opportunities to learn, connect and grow. Since September 2025, we've delivered 34 events attended by 1,329 members and guests, with the vast majority offered free of charge as part of GFSB membership. Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills, grow your network or stay ahead of the issues shaping Gibraltar's business landscape, our events are designed to make doing business that little bit easier.