The initiative, originally promoted by the Chamber of Commerce of Campo de Gibraltar, received unanimous support from the consultative body's members. The aim is to create a tool that improves the territory's competitiveness, fosters job creation, and consolidates the region's strategic position as a logistics, industrial, and energy hub.
During the plenary session, chaired by Susana Pérez Custodio, the demanding competitive environment was acknowledged, influenced by differentiated economic and fiscal models in nearby territories such as Gibraltar and the Tánger Med complex. The CES deems it necessary to analyze formulas that allow for more balanced competition within the national and European Union legal framework.
The CES agreement positively assesses the Chamber of Commerce's technical study and urges competent administrations to analyze the legal, economic, and fiscal viability of the ZEE. It also proposes opening dialogue spaces between public administrations, businesses, and social and economic agents to promote this and other development measures.
The Council emphasized that a Special Economic Zone should complement public investment, reiterating the urgency to accelerate pending investments in railway, road, energy, and logistics infrastructure, which are essential for the region's competitiveness and connectivity.
Mayors from Algeciras, Los Barrios, Tarifa, Castellar de la Frontera, and San Martín del Tesorillo participated, along with representatives from La Línea de la Concepción and San Roque. The session included a presentation by Carlos Fenoy, president of the Chamber of Commerce, and participation from union representatives UGT and CCOO.
The mayor of Algeciras, José Ignacio Landaluce, recalled the Senate's support for the ZEE project. Esperanza Pérez, coordinator of the General State Administration Office, highlighted the Spanish Government's commitment. Mayors from Tarifa and Castellar also supported the initiative, and union representatives Manuel Triano (CCOO) and Ángel Serrano (UGT) expressed their backing.
The Plenary also received an update on the progress of the CES Regulation update and other citizen proposals. The minutes from the February 10, 2025 session were approved.
“"The unanimous support of the CES demonstrates the capacity of economic and social agents to build common positions when it comes to defending the general interest of Campo de Gibraltar."
Susana Pérez Custodio described the initiative as strategic, emphasizing that the ZEE should enhance the region's ability to attract investment and create jobs, without neglecting the necessary investments and infrastructure the region still requires.
