Representatives from Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, La Manche and Normandy travelled to Jersey this week to review and celebrate the Channel Islands’ ties with near European neighbours.
Discussions revolved around energy and the environment, maritime links, and cultural exchanges, and resulted in “positive regional progress” at the 2025 Normandy Summit, according to the States of Guernsey.
This was renewed through a new, three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which reaffirmed four priority areas.
These include links between Governments, potential opportunities for Economic development, tourism, trade and transport.
It also holds education, sports, culture and heritage as priorities, along with environment, marine issues and marine renewable energy.
They also marked the 30th anniversary of the Maison de la Normandie et de la Manche, during a ceremony inside Jersey’s States Chamber.
Guernsey’s Chief Minister represented the Bailiwick, with Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez stating: “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.”
She concluded: “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.”
Chief Minister of Guernsey’s nearest neighbours, Jersey’s Lyndon Farnham, said: “By bringing trusted regional colleagues together from around the Channel Islands and Normandy, this summit continues to provide significant value.
Deputy Farnham added: “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.”
Hervé Morin, the President of the Normandy Region, said: “We are celebrating 30 years of co- operation with the Channel Islands and I am delighted that a new three-year agreement has been signed. I am also delighted that the Channel Islands will be actively participating in the celebrations marking the 1,000th anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror in 2027.”
Mr Morin continued: “The Normandy Region aims to create a popular, artistic and cultural event on a European scale, bringing together the major regions that share the Norman heritage.”
Meanwhile Jean Morin, President of La Manche, said: “This annual summit with our partners from the Channel Islands and the Normandy Region is the result of standing dialogue between all participants. During this day, we were able to discuss strategic issues for our territories, such as fishing and maritime links.”
Mr Morin noted the special occasions that dominated the meeting.
“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.”
Mr Morin concluded: “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.”