Earlier this month, GFSB Board Member Eran Shay travelled to Brussels to attend the ESBA AGM and the SME2B Forum organised by CEA-PME, the pan-European network of SME associations.

Why it matters
Through ESBA, the GFSB is affiliated with CEA-PME, giving Gibraltar’s small businesses a seat at the table with counterparts from 18 European countries. The Brussels meetings brought together around 120 SME leaders to discuss climate neutrality by 2050 and the role of innovation, energy security, and policy.

Cross-border focus
A key priority for Eran was exploring how Gibraltar businesses might tap into EU or Spanish funding for cross-border projects in the wake of the post-Brexit treaty. Meetings with EU SME leaders highlighted:

• Funding routes: Gibraltar-based businesses could only access EU cohesion or regional development funds via Spain, requiring strong links with Spanish partners and MEPs.
• Regulatory challenges: Differences in tax, certification, and permits remain barriers to cross-border collaboration.
• Opportunities: Spanish SME associations expressed readiness to cooperate, lobby Spanish MEPs, and explore joint projects in areas like the green transition, innovation, and regional development.

EIC perspective
Discussions with the European Innovation Council confirmed its €10bn budget is already committed, with new funding windows opening from 2028. Businesses will need to track future calls closely.

Next steps
Eran identified potential action points for the GFSB, including:

• Forming a joint working group with Spanish SME bodies.
• Preparing bilingual position papers on Gibraltar-Spain cross-border business needs.
• Leveraging CEA-PME’s EU-level platform to raise awareness of funding access barriers.

What now?
Gibraltar’s inclusion in European SME forums gives local businesses visibility and influence. Turning dialogue into action will depend on joint advocacy with Spanish partners and readiness to engage with EU funding opportunities as they reopen.