By tf-lawyer.com In a recent interview, Normandy official Jean Morin expressed his eagerness to meet with ministers from the Channel Islands and Europe to address the ongoing relationship between the islands and France. This comes on the heels of an agreement by Jersey, Guernsey, and Sark to subsidize the Manche Iles Express ferry service between France and the Channel Islands for the year 2025.
Morin, who serves as the president of the Departmental Council of La Manche (DCLM), described the financial backing as a “pleasant surprise.” He noted that this support would help the ferry service “hold on” until the anticipated introduction of an electronic visa system at the end of 2025. He highlighted the popularity of the French identity card, which allows 40% of travelers to cross borders without a passport.
Meanwhile, Jersey’s Minister for Home Affairs confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the UK Home Office to explore options for allowing French visitors to travel to the island without needing a passport after 2025.
Morin also mentioned several additional topics that need attention, including the Marine Spatial Plan, fishing regulations, and wind energy initiatives. He expressed interest in establishing a trading post in Granville, where French officials could inspect goods arriving from the Channel Islands, ensuring compliance with EU health and safety standards. DCLM remains “committed to ensuring progress” in these matters, especially given that all goods are delivered to Granville.
A provisional meeting has been scheduled for later this year to discuss cooperation on issues of mutual interest between Jersey and France. Kirsten Morel, Jersey’s Minister for Economic Development, emphasized the importance of French day trippers to the local economy, stating that the subsidy scheme “poses no threat to the common travel area or to the integrity of the UK’s borders.”
