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Review: Inclusion of the Bailiwick of Jersey in the UK-EU Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement ('TECA'):

Committee/Panel: Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Panel
Launch Date: 13 January 2021 Close Date: To be advised
Submissions Deadline: To be advised Ministerial Response Date: To be advised
Review Status: Report published

The Panel presented its report to the States on 19th February 2021.

About

On 27 December 2020 the States Assembly voted to approve, in principle, Jersey's participation in the TECA. This vote was subject to a 90-day 'cooling off' period, to expire on 31 March 2021, during which time Jersey may terminate its involvement in the TECA. The proposition adopted by the States Assembly, as amended, instructs the Panel to present a report to the States Assembly prior to the expiry of the 90-day 'cooling off' period, for States Members to consider its findings. 

The Panel's review will focus on scrutinising the sections of the TECA concerning 'Fisheries' and Jersey's territorial waters including the implications this will have for Jersey, whilst the Brexit Review Panel will conduct a separate review of  the sections of the TECA concerning 'Goods' and trading implications. 

The Panel's review objectives are to:

  • Scrutinise the relevant applicable maritime resources sections of the full legal text to ensure these reflect the summary agreement and Jersey’s interests.
  • Consider the impact of TECA participation on the fishing industry (and any other relevant stakeholders).
  • Engage with stakeholders (i.e. fishing industry, fish merchants/wholesalers etc…) to seek their views on the TECA.
  • Engage with the Law Officers’ Department regarding the full legal text.
  • Identify key issues for States Members to consider following scrutiny of the full legal text.
  • Provide constructive feedback and recommendations for the Council of Ministers.

 

Terms of reference

​To undertake a review of the Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement (TECA) in relation to fisheries. The review will focus on the following areas in particular:

    1. To analyse the relevant maritime resources sections of the legal text in order to determine whether it reflects the summary agreement and Jersey's best interests.

    2. To assess the practical implications of ceasing the joint management of Jersey's waters (Granville Bay Agreement) with a particular focus on:

       a) the 3 to 6 mile limit with regard to the Minquiers and Écréhous islands b) .Zone A of the Les Pierres de Lecq rock grouping (Paternosters) c) Zone B of the Les Dirouilles rock grouping.

    3. To assess the resource implications for Jersey's Marine Resourcing Team. 

    4. To examine the changes to processes and procedures for the fishing industry and what impact this might have in Jersey.

    5. To analyse the processes and procedures in place for licensing EU fishing vessels in Jersey waters and consider any subsidies offered by the French government to French fishing interests.

    6. To provide an objectively informed assessment on whether it is in the best interests of Jersey to subscribe to the relevant Terms of the TECA, whilst noting that maritime resources and goods are linked and must both be approved to ensure Jersey's participation in the Agreement.