Had things gone as originally expected, the Treaty would have been implemented today. The revised 15th July date means we now have a little more time to get things right.

Don’t get me wrong, more time is welcome. But time on its own won’t solve the many concerns that have been raised by businesses for months. Ahead of the new July implementation date, the Government has stepped up engagement with industry. The Minister for Business, Gemma Arias-Vasquez, has been meeting businesses across sectors including Bassadone Automotive Group, Restsso, Saccone & Speed and Peninsula Petroleum with more visits planned. The Minister also mentioned that further meetings are being planned with the Spanish authorities and the Business Transition Advisory Group

In a press release, the Minister said, “These visits are about listening directly to businesses, understanding the practical realities they are facing and making sure we are as prepared as we can be for implementation. The Treaty represents a significant opportunity for Gibraltar, but it is essential that we get the transition right. That means we must continue to communicate and engage with businesses and ensure that they have the certainty they need to plan ahead. We are also preparing a detailed business manual which I am sure will help address many of the outstanding questions businesses have raised.”

That engagement is welcome, in fact all of this is postive. However, engagement on its own is not enough. What we need now is clear, practical guidance that can be applied day to day. That includes understanding processes, responsibilities and how systems will work in practice once the treaty is in force.

It is encouraging to know that the business manual has been referenced once again as part of this next phase. Until that is available, and there’s more clarity on things like customs arrangements, there remains a gap between what is being discussed and what many of our members can actually act on.

The additional time before July provides an opportunity to get this right. It allows for systems to be refined and, importantly, for clear guidance to be produced and shared.