At the inaugural Gibraltar Business Conference in London’s Oxo Tower, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and Attorney General Michael Llamas outlined how the forthcoming UK–EU treaty could create new business and investment opportunities for Gibraltar.

Speaking to a packed audience during a fireside chat moderated by Peter Montegriffo KC, they described a future framework that could enhance Gibraltar’s access to European markets and strengthen its global position.

What happened:
Hosted by Minister for Business Gemma Arias-Vasquez, the first London Business Conference drew more than 400 guests from across finance, law and industry. The evening featured live podcast sessions from Tax Bites, On the Sofa with Rouge and the GFSB’s Gibraltar Business Podcast, all highlighting the advantages of doing business on the Rock.

The highlight came when the Chief Minister and Attorney General joined the stage for an in-depth conversation about the treaty and its expected impact.

What they said:

• Free movement and connectivity: The treaty is expected to cover the movement of goods and people, creating new opportunities for cross-border operations and expanding Gibraltar’s air links with Europe.
• Legal certainty: Businesses operating under the new framework would continue to rely on British Common Law, maintaining stability for dispute resolution.
• Market access: The Chief Minister said the treaty, combined with Gibraltar’s existing tax agreement with Spain, will allow Gibraltar-registered companies to invest or trade more easily across the border.
• Residency clarity: A new committee has been set up with industry stakeholders to define future residency requirements, helping businesses and workers plan ahead.
• Luxury goods and investment: The Attorney General suggested there may be exemptions from the new transaction tax for certain high-value imports, reinforcing Gibraltar’s attractiveness as a base for trade.
• Skills and workforce: Funds will be allocated to help companies train staff to meet demand in emerging industries.

Between the lines:
Mr Llamas revealed that the draft treaty runs to 250 pages across seven sections, underscoring its scale and complexity. Both speakers said the agreement would go further than what was possible under Gibraltar’s former EU membership, describing it as a decisive step for the jurisdiction’s future.

Why it matters:
The message from London was clear. Gibraltar is preparing to use the treaty to strengthen its economic base while maintaining regulatory stability and greater access to European markets. For businesses and investors, it signals a more connected and outward-looking environment.

As negotiations move forward, Gibraltar’s leaders see the treaty as an opportunity to secure a stronger, more open economic future. The discussions in London reflected growing optimism that Gibraltar is ready to play a larger role in the region’s business landscape.