External Relations

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A Common Policy for External Relations was presented to the States Assembly on 15 November 2022. This set out seven principles governing policy –

1. Protect Jersey’s unique constitution, and its domestic and fiscal autonomy.

2. Promote Jersey’s international identity and good reputation as a responsible global actor committed at home and abroad to the rule of law, international standards, and respect for internationally recognised human and labour rights including racial, gender and LGBTQ+ equality.

3. Serve Jersey’s best economic interests by promoting a strong, diversified and internationally-connected economy, safeguarding its competitive position as a platform for global business and promoting growth through trade and investment.

4. Promote Jersey’s island identity abroad, together with a greater spirit of international awareness at home.

5. Join with other jurisdictions and delivery partners in supporting sustainable development and poverty reduction in developing countries, and in providing assistance to victims of natural disasters, persecution and conflict.

6. Ensure Jersey’s international engagement maximises opportunities for our children and young people, helping to broaden aspiration and ambition, while fostering increased awareness of how external developments can impact Jersey’s prosperity and success.

7. Advance Jersey’s objectives in the areas of climate change and sustainability through international engagement, and with reference to efforts to achieve domestic carbon neutrality.

The policy then identified 18 specific areas of activity –

1. Jersey will maintain positive relations with the Bailiwick of Guernsey and with the Isle of Man.
2. Jersey will continue to engage positively with the Government of the United Kingdom.
3. Jersey will continue to develop and enhance relations with France.
4. Jersey will also endeavour to maintain positive bilateral relations with other European nations.
5. Jersey will participate actively in the British-Irish Council.
6. The Council of Ministers will support the work of Members of the States Assembly with the Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie, the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

7. Jersey will work to develop and enhance relations with the institutions of the European Union.
8. Jersey will seek to participate to the fullest extent advantageous to the island in free trade agreements.
9. Jersey will work with the UK and other governments to collaborate on areas of mutual opportunity and challenge.
10. Jersey will seek to sustain a strong international profile that reflects the inherent value of Jersey’s global connectivity.
11. Jersey will work to develop its own bilateral partnerships outside the United Kingdom and European Union.
12. Jersey will seek to engage with multilateral and plurilateral institutions.
13. Jersey will actively participate in international efforts to tackle climate change.
14. Jersey will implement United Nations and United Kingdom sanctions to counter actions or policies that threaten international peace and security, human rights, respect for democratic principles or the international rule of law; or to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorism and the financing of proliferation.
15. Jersey will support provision of Mutual Legal Assistance to and in the lawful recovery and return and/or sharing of forfeited or confiscated assets, where reciprocal agreements exist.
16. The Minister for International Development, through the Jersey Overseas Aid Commission, will engage in poverty reduction and capacity building activities in developing countries, and will undertake technical assistance.
17. Jersey will undertake international engagement to maximise opportunities for our children and young people.
18. Jersey will promote cultural, heritage and sporting relations with overseas partners.

The Department’s 2025 Business Plan sets out key objectives for the year.

UK Engagement

Conduct an extensive programme of engagement with the new UK Administration, building strong and enduring relationships with the Government and with cross-party representatives. Consolidate understanding of Jersey’s constitutional position, our reputation as a high-quality, well-regulated international finance centre that contributes positively to the UK economy, and work to pursue outcomes in support of departments’ wider aims and objectives in the best interests of our Island.

France

Continue to invest in our regional French relationships enhancing our ability to collaborate across areas of mutual benefit such as trade, tourism, energy and environment, connectivity and security. Increase understanding of the Island and recognition of our economic, historical, and cultural ties to France across the national government, building and consolidating on our presence in Paris during 2025 and our links to a wide range of Ministries in support of Jersey’s interests.

Europe & European Relations

Continue to develop and grow Jersey’s profile and engagement with the European Union institutions (European Commission, Council, Parliament) as well as our bilateral relationships with Member States and European capitals, to ensure Jersey’s relationship with the UK and Europe is understood, our linkages and contribution to Europe are respected and valued, and that we are able to engage and influence effectively on issues of policy and regulation that impact Jersey’s interests.

Global Relations and Multilateral

Continue to implement our Global Relations Strategy to increase Jersey’s visibility, improve access to key decision-makers and enhance the island’s connectivity with our priority partners outside the UK and Europe.

International Compliance

Ensure Jersey continues to take a proactive and visible role in supporting the global community in its response to conflict aggressors, including continuing efforts in respect of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Maintain timely and comprehensive implementation of sanctions; continue to

support collaborative multi-agency working as part of an effective ‘Government-regulator- industry’ response.

Maintain effective support to the Director of Civil Aviation (DCA) in discharging overall responsibility for the safety of civil aviation in Jersey and its airspace.

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Further information

External relations page of the gov.je website

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