Annual political summit with Normandy, La Manche, Guernsey and Jersey

On 24 September, Jersey hosted the annual Political Summit at Mont Orgueil Castle, bringing together the La Manche Departmental Council, the Normandy Regional Council, the Government of Jersey and the States of Guernsey. Every year since 2015, representatives of local authorities have met to discuss common issues and explore avenues for collaboration. Discussions focused on energy, the environment, maritime links and cultural exchanges, culminating in the Normandy region’s project: ‘2027: European Year of the Normans’, in which the islands are actively participating through cultural and artistic projects in collaboration with Normandy-based organisations.

Guernsey was represented by Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, Chief Minister of Guernsey, Deputy Andrew Niles, Vice-Chair of the Economic Development Committee, Deputy Charles Parkinson, Minister for International Taxation, and Deputy Steve Falla, Minister for External Relations. Jersey was represented by Deputy Lyndon Farnham, Chief Minister of Jersey, Deputy Ian Gorst, Minister for External Relations, Deputy Kirsten Morel, Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, and Constable Mike Jackson, Assistant Minister for the Environment. The La Manche Departmental Council was represented by Jean Morin, President of La Manche, and the Normandy Regional Council was represented by its President, Hervé Morin. Finally, the Prefecture of La Manche was represented by Perrine Serre and the Prefecture of Normandy by Gerrit Van Rossum.

Jean Morin, President of La Manche, said:

“This 2025 summit is a special edition, where we are celebrating two anniversaries. First, the 10th anniversary of the cooperation agreement, renewed for three years. Today, we are measuring how far we have come. This agreement has strengthened our ties in areas as diverse as education, culture, tourism, energy transition, and the environment. And let’s not forget the 30th anniversary of the Maison de la Normandie et de la Manche in Jersey, a true link between our territories. I would like to salute all those who, for three decades, have worked to keep this relationship alive”. 

Deputy Lyndon Farnham, Jersey’s Chief Minister, said:

“By bringing trusted regional colleagues together from around the Channel Islands and Normandy, this summit continues to provide significant value. The success of our regional economy relies on contribution from us all, and the new Memorandum of Understanding confirms our collective commitment to our sustainable future with strong trade and cultural links.” 

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, Chief Minister of Guernsey, said:

“I was delighted to lead the delegation of Guernsey political representatives who attended the summit and very pleased to sign the renewed Memorandum of Understanding with Normandy and La Manche on behalf of our island. This MoU cements these formal links for a further three years and ensures that we can continue to build on the strong foundations of historic and cultural links with our Norman neighbours. It will help us respond more effectively to shared challenges and opportunities, including new developments in the UK-EU relationship that affect Guernsey, climate change and the energy transition, and trade and travel matters.” 

The summit was concluded with the renewal of the cooperation agreement for a period of three years covering areas such as education, energy, culture, the arts, immigration, transport and trade.