Recommended

Just released! Global Railway Review Issue 4
READ NOW: Editor’s Review – InnoTrans 2024
DOWNLOAD NOW: 2025 media planner
LISTEN NOW: The Right Track Podcast Series, Ep11 – Infrastructure Revolution
news

Eurotunnel remains a vital link says Group following Brexit

Posted: 27 June 2016 | | No comments yet

Eurotunnel has reaffirmed its vocation to facilitate exchanges between the UK and France following the UK’s vote to leave the European Union in a referendum held on 23 June.

Eurotunnel

Jacques Gounon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Eurotunnel (Image Reuters)

Eurotunnel has reaffirmed its vocation to facilitate exchanges between the UK and France following the UK’s vote to leave the European Union in a referendum held on 23 June.

Eurotunnel

Jacques Gounon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Eurotunnel (Image Reuters)

In a statement Groupe Eurotunnel said, in this new context, which will take many months to resolve, Eurotunnel confirms its vocation to facilitate exchanges between the UK and France and as a motor for development between the UK and continental Europe.

“A motor for development between the UK and continental Europe”

Eurotunnel confirmed that the result of the referendum will not affect the activity of the Channel Tunnel Concession.

Jacques Gounon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Eurotunnel SE stated: “The Channel Tunnel fixed link was established with an international treaty between two sovereign states. Our Anglo-French vocation is to offer our customers a constantly improving and more competitive transport service. I am confident that we will achieve our goals”.

  • The Channel Tunnel was established under the binational Treaty of Canterbury signed 30 years ago by the sovereign British and French governments
  • The United Kingdom has never been part of the Schengen area, people and goods travelling through the Channel Tunnel will remain subject to current border control procedures (UK Border Force, French Police Aux Frontiers and Douanes).
  • A reduction in the value of sterling would reduce the amount of the Group’s debt in that currency would increase costs for maritime competitors and would support British exports, which would compensate for any potential negative effects.

In addition, Gounon warned the Brexit response could lead to a surge in illegal migrants trying to enter the country from France.

Speaking to the Press Association the group’s CEO said: “This could generate an additional new migrant pressure, in order for such people, desperately, to reach the UK before Brexit is enforced.

“So I do think and I’m afraid that we could have an increased migrant pressure during this summer, as a Brexit consequence.”

Mr Gounon aired his views whilst revealing new drone aircraft with cameras to boost Eurotunnel security in France.

Related organisations