27 June 2011
Chief Minister, Senator Terry Le Sueur, is visiting Brussels today (Monday 27 June) to promote Jersey’s interests in Europe. He will meet senior European Union officials, reinforcing the recent decision to establish a Channel Islands Brussels Office (CIBO) and to secure stronger, more direct engagement between Jersey and the European Union (EU).
Senator Le Sueur, together with CIBO Director, Steve Williams, will meet Sir Kim Darroch, the UK’s Permanent Representative to the EU. The meeting highlights the important link that exists between Jersey and the interests of the UK in Europe. The Island provides vital liquidity and investment funds for the City and, through that, for other financial centres in Europe. Also likely to be discussed is the wide range of policy areas where the Islands have strong economic interests in how EU rules are shaped, such as shipping, aviation, intellectual property, data protection, environmental standards and many others.
Senator Le Sueur will meet senior advisors to both the current European Commission President, José Barroso, and to Commissioner Algirdas Semeta, Commissioner for Taxation and Customs Union, Audit and Anti-Fraud.
Senator Le Sueur commented: “The establishment of the Channel Islands Brussels Office is a visible demonstration of our need to have direct engagement with the EU that is distinct from, but has the full support of, the UK. It is important to remember that, while the Islands are geographically small jurisdictions, our combined output is in the region of €6 billion, with global funds under active management of €500 billion. In other words, we can, and do, make a contribution to the wider European economy. Developing a stronger relationship with the EU and showing willingness to be good, cooperative neighbours, will be of mutual benefit."
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