Author: Maëllie GERNIDOS

On 14 October, representatives from the governments of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark attended the annual political summits in Dinard for the Brittany region and in Rennes with the Ille-et-Vilaine departmental council.

This year’s summits highlighted the continued strength of these regional partnerships and the collaborative efforts fostered through the Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) between Guernsey, Jersey and Brittany and Ille et Vilaine respectively. Jersey has benefited from fifteen years of joint working with the departmental council of Ille et Vilaine, with Guernsey joining the partnership in 2017. Both Guernsey and Jersey signed a new MoU with the region of Brittany in 2023. 

The summits commenced with a morning session focused on links with Brittany. Hosted at the Dinard catering school, with which Highlands College in Jersey has had strong links for a number of years, the discussions covered various regional issues. These included wind farms, sharing information on respective marine spatial plans, economic development issues, immigration matters, as well as maritime links covering transport, tourism and yachting. It also provided an opportunity to discuss broader political relationships and areas of mutual interest within Europe and the EU.

The afternoon session was dedicated to strengthening ties with Ille et Vilaine. Discussions covered education, youth mobility, culture, arts and overseas aid. 

The two summits were chaired respectively by Stéphane Perrin-Sarzier, Vice-President of the regional council of Brittany in charge of international relations, and Jean-Luc Chenut, President of the departmental council of Ille et Vilaine. The French State was represented by the diplomatic advisor of the Prefect of Brittany. Channel Island attendees included: Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, Deputy Steve Falla, Deputy Charles Parkison and Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller on behalf of Guernsey; Deputy Kirsten Morel and Deputy Carolyn Labey on behalf of Jersey; and Conseiller Natalie Tighe on behalf of Sark.

The Vice-Presidents of the Britanny Region, Stéphane Perrin-Sarzier and Daniel Cueff, said: “As neighbours and sharing the belief that cooperation is essential to their development, Brittany and the Channel Islands have demonstrated, with Brexit, their ability to maintain sincere and constructive dialogue. We must seize every opportunity to come closer together and forge economic, social, and cultural ties for our coastal communities, whether Breton or Channel Islands. Coordination of maritime spatial planning between the Channel Islands and Brittany is essential and beneficial for all. We welcome the very fruitful discussions we have had.”

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, Chief Minister of Guernsey, said: “I was very pleased to lead the delegation of Guernsey political representatives who attended the summits in Dinard and Rennes this week. Guernsey’s relationships with Brittany and Ille et Vilaine, underpinned by our respective MoUs, are increasingly important both regionally and strategically. I have been encouraged by the warmth of the welcome and the practical focus of discussions as we further strengthen our links with our closest European neighbour.”

Jersey’s Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, Deputy Kirsten Morel, said:“The Brittany Summit has been an invaluable opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation in recent years. Political relations between Jersey and Brittany are strong and there was a desire at the summit on both sides to take concrete steps towards developing business, sporting and cultural links. These links will forge even closer relations as we seek to encourage sustainable growth across our jurisdictions.”

On Monday 13 October, BIAN organised a visit of the CHU Caen Normandie in Jersey.
It was the opportunity for French colleagues to meet for the first time with States of Jersey Health and Social Services and the Committee for Health and Social Care of States of Guernsey and discuss opportunities of future joined work.

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.

As part of the cooperation agreement between La Fabrique de Patrimoines, Jersey Heritage, the Société Jersiaise and Guernsey Museums and Galleries (renewed in 2023), representatives from museums in Jersey and Guernsey visited Normandy from 22 to 25 September. Their counterparts from La Fabrique de Patrimoines and the Normandy region coordinated and accompanied the visit. During their stay, the Anglo-Norman delegation visited numerous sites in Le Havre, including the MuMa André Malraux Museum of Modern Art, the Natural History Museum and the Victor Hugo Museum, a reminder of the unique ties that unite Guernsey and Normandy. In Rouen, they visited the Corderie Vallois, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Opera House, the Musée le Secq des Tournelles and the Musée Beauvoisine. These annual meetings foster exchanges and nurture prospects for cooperation between the islands and the Normandy region.  Exciting cultural projects are on the horizon!

On 19 July, 50 crews took up the challenge of the famous Passage de la Déroute, including 10 crews from the Barneville-Carteret club! The programme included entertainment, refreshment stands and concerts! The race between France and Jersey continues to attract huge crowds! See you next year for the 40th edition!