Visit to Brussels of Sir Philip Bailhache

Sir Philip Bailhache, the Assistant Chief Minister of Jersey with responsibility for External Affairs, paid an official visit to Brussels on 8-9 February. His programme included meetings with:

– senior political advisers to:  the President of the EU Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso; Vice President Baroness Ashton (Foreign Affairs); and Commissioner Barnier (Internal Market and Services);

– the Permanent Representatives to the EU of France and the UK;

– the Ambassadors to the EU of Iceland and Andorra;

– representatives of the EFTA Surveillance Authority;

– Struan Stevenson MEP (Vice Chair of the EP Fisheries Committee)

During his meetings, Sir Philip emphasized the breadth and depth of the Channel Islands’ engagement with Europe, as cooperative, well regulated neighbours and partners, and discussed current issues of mutual interest.