Brexit
News
No Deal Yet
No deal yet despite yesterday’s high-level round of EU/UK negotiations in Brussels. Whilst some Spanish media reports had suggested a deal was unlikely to be reached at the meeting, this does leave us wondering, what now?
Why did yesterday’s meeting matter?
Because of who was in the room. European Commission Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation José Manuel Albares and UK new Foreign Secretary David Lammy and our CM, Fabian Picardo. It also marked the third meeting at political level and the first one in this format under the new UK Government.
Was any progress made?
We think so, yes. The joint statement issued by the UK, EU, Gibraltar, and Spain said, ‘discussions were constructive and productive, resulting in further progress on the complex issues of negotiations, namely in the area of people and goods’.
‘Intense’ was the word Spain’s Foreign Minister used to describe the four-hour meeting, who also said that ‘advances had been made on fundamental aspects’ of the negotiations. He also told assembled media that the negotiating teams had agreed to keep back some of the details and ground covered in the interest of the process.
Ok, anything else I should know?
Yes. The EU’s entry-exit system (EES) seems to be running late according to the Guardian. Initially set for November, the implementation may be postponed further to avoid long queues and logistical issues at borders like Gibraltar. While the EES is expected to enhance security, the lack of field testing raises doubts about its phased introduction, with some sources suggesting a slower rollout over a year.
So, what now?
Keep trying ‘business as usual’ and await further developments in these ongoing negotiations.
SHARE THIS
OTHER NEWS
Thrive
Explained: Price Setting
Pricing is one of the hardest decisions small businesses face, especially when costs are rising and uncertainty continues to affect local trading conditions. This explainer looks at why businesses review prices, how to understand cost and value, and how to communicate changes clearly without damaging customer trust.
Brexit
BTAG Convened
With the treaty implementation date pushed to 15 July 2026 businesses have more time to adapt to the changes that are coming. So too does Government as it works to develop the new processes and procedures that will facilitate the treaty implementation. The Government’s BTAG committee, of which the GFSB is a member, met on Friday 24 April 2026 to continue preparations ahead of Treaty implementation.
Events
Big Ideas Welcome
The Gibtelecom Business Innovation Award is back, and it’s designed to recognise the ideas that are genuinely moving Gibraltar’s business landscape forward. This is not just about new technology. It is about rethinking how you operate, how you serve customers, and how you grow. Whether that’s a smarter process, a new service, or a fresh way of approaching your market, innovation comes in many forms.
We’re excited to announce the launch of the BizEd Management Online Course, a new CPD programme designed to help you strengthen your leadership, sharpen your strategy and grow your business. Delivered in partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), this course brings UK-recognised expertise, combining academic excellence with practical, real-world insights you can apply immediately.
Brexit
Letter to Government
A coalition of Gibraltar’s leading business organisations, including the GFSB, Chamber of Commerce and sector bodies, has written to the Chief Minister and Minister for Business following up on their February open letter on treaty readiness. Its main message? The extra time ahead of the 15th July implementation is welcome, but what really matters now is how this time is being used.