Jersey Holds Dialogue On Policy In Brussels

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

30 June 2011

Jersey Chief Minister, Terry Le Sueur, visited Brussels on June 27 as part of efforts to promote Jersey's interests in Europe, and secure greater, direct engagement between Jersey and the decision makers of the European Union.

Le Sueur, together with the Director of the Channel Islands' Brussels Office, Steve Williams, met with Kim Darroch, the UK’s Permanent Representative to the EU.

In a statement ahead of the meet, the Jersey government said the discussions would be useful in highlighting the important link that exists between Jersey and the interests of the UK in Europe.

The island, the government explained, provides vital liquidity and investment funds for the City of London and, through that, for other financial centres in Europe. The meeting provided a platform to discuss a wide range of policy areas where the Channel Islands have strong economic interests in how EU rules are shaped, such as in shipping, aviation, intellectual property, data protection among others.

Le Sueur met also with 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.

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, [their] combined output is in the region of EUR6bn, with global funds under active management of EUR500bn. 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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