Tuesday 07 January 2014
The Chief Minister of Guernsey, Deputy Peter Harwood, and the Chief Minister of Jersey, Senator Ian Gorst, will hold a series of meetings in Brussels on 8 and 9 January 2014.
During the two days, the Chief Ministers itinerary will include meetings with:
- Senior political advisers to EU Commission President Barroso and to EU Tax Commissioner Semeta
- The Director General of the Commission's Internal Market and Services division (DG MARKT)
- Members of the European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) and Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) Committee
- The German and Irish Permanent Representatives (Ambassadors) to the EU
- The Swiss Ambassador to the EU
- The head of the Centre for European Policy Studies (a leading think tank)
Deputy Harwood said:
"I am delighted that Ian and I are undertaking this important set of meetings together. Many of the decisions made in Brussels impact significantly on us, directly or indirectly. For that reason it is vital that those who make decisions and those who influence decisions have as full an understanding of the Channel Islands as possible.
Our message will be simple. We are good, responsible and co-operative neighbours, and want to ensure that our working relationship with the EU reflects that. We have an important part to play in supporting the European growth and economic stability agendas - but to do that, we need to ensure fair access to the EU market place for our businesses."
Senator Gorst commented:
"The success of the Brussels office has been an example of joint working between our two islands at its best. I am therefore very pleased to be attending these meetings alongside Peter. It is important that the Channel Islands are recognised as positive contributors to the EU economy, and that key decision makers in Brussels are kept informed of our continuing support for international transparency and cooperation in tax matters.
There are opportunities for Island businesses to benefit from and contribute to the European economy, and it is through direct engagement in Brussels that we have the best chance of ensuring that both the Channel Islands and Europe can continue to benefit from this relationship."
The visit is being co-ordinated by the Channel Islands Brussels Office.
ENDS
