CI cultural initiatives discussed in Brussels
THE culture and heritage of the Channel Islands were discussed at the first meeting between island representatives and the chairwoman of the European Parliament’s Culture and Education Committee in Brussels yesterday.
Guernsey’s external relations lead Jonathan Le Tocq was joined by Jersey’s minister for economic development, tourism, sport and culture, Kirsten Morel. Their visit was part of the regular political level engagement by the islands with EU institutions.
They also met representatives of the Northern Ireland executive office in Brussels and the European Language Equality Network.
Topics discussed included the island’s native languages, programmes facilitated by local arts organisations and possible future collaboration with organisations based in Brussels.
‘I was pleased to discuss the artistic and cultural programmes that we are developing on-island through the Arts Commission and other local organisations, which include increased collaboration with Jersey and our European neighbours, as well as to outline the support that is being provided to Guernesiais through the work of the Guernsey Language Commission,’ said Deputy Le Tocq.
He added that regular engagement with EU partners was an essential part of the islands’ long-standing ‘good neighbour’ policy towards EU institutions.
States officials also regularly engage with embassies in London to develop and strengthen bilateral relationships with other jurisdictions.
‘I hope that through this continued engagement with the EU institutions we are able to further develop projects to
promote the islands to European partners,’ said Deputy Le Tocq.
