Channel Islands to open Brussels office

25 Aug, 2010

The Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey are opening an office in Brussels to look after their interests in the European Union. The islands are particularly concerned about European Union legislation and reforms that may affect their trading partners in international financial centres round the world.

The islands also share other vital interest with the EU countries such as territorial waters, airspace, customs, free trade in agricultural products and environmental protection issues.

The Brussels office, which should open in September, will have a staff of three and will be funded by both Jersey and Guernsey.

The islands, which have separate jurisdictions, have however decided that their interests in Brussels will be looked after better in tandem. They are at present looking for a director of European affairs and a European affairs advisor.