A Normandy official is seeking to meet with Channel Island and European ministers to discuss the islands' relationship with France.
This follows Jersey, Guernsey, and Sark's decision to subsidise the Manche Iles Express ferry service between France and the Channel Islands for 2025, which President Jean Morin of the Departmental Council of La Manche called a “pleasant surprise.” He said the subsidy would help sustain the service until electronic visas are introduced in late 2025.
Morin noted that many French citizens travel with only an identity card, and Jersey’s home affairs minister confirmed ongoing discussions with the UK to potentially allow French visitors to travel without passports beyond 2025.
Morin highlighted additional topics for discussion, such as the marine spatial plan, fishing, and wind energy. He also expressed interest in establishing a trading post in Granville to inspect goods from the Channel Islands, ensuring EU health and safety compliance. An inter-ministerial meeting, co-organized by the region and the Manche department, has been planned to facilitate further dialogue.