Gibraltar establishes Independent State Aid Authority - 531/2026

The Government has today published a legal notice designating the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority as the independent authority responsible for carrying out State aid control functions in Gibraltar.

This step fulfils the requirement under Article 205 of the Gibraltar-EU Treaty, as given effect by section 72 of the Treaty on Gibraltar and the European Union Act 2026, to establish an operationally independent authority or body.

To ensure the effective discharge of these functions, Richard Dowling, a recognised State aid expert, has been appointed by the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority.

Mr Dowling brings significant experience in State aid and subsidy control. He joined the United Kingdom's Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy in October 2018, working within its State aid team. Following the UK's departure from the EU in 2020, he continued to work on State aid matters and contributed to the development of the UK's subsidy control regime. In that capacity, he advised public authorities on their obligations and established the UK's publicly accessible subsidies database.

More recently, Mr Dowling advised the Government and the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on the negotiation of the State aid chapter of the Gibraltar-EU Treaty.

The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo KC, said: "The implementation of the Treaty marks a significant milestone for Gibraltar and reflects our firm commitment to upholding a transparent, robust and rules-based system of subsidy control.

"The designation of the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority as the independent State aid authority ensures that Gibraltar meets its obligations under Article 205 of the Treaty, while reinforcing confidence among businesses, investors and our European partners.

"The appointment of Richard Dowling brings world-class expertise to this important function. His extensive experience in both EU State aid and the UK's subsidy control regime will be invaluable in ensuring that Gibraltar's framework operates effectively, proportionately and in line with international best practice.

"This is a key step in delivering on the commitments we have made and in providing certainty and stability for Gibraltar's economy as we move forward under the new Treaty arrangements."