EU Ambassador’s Boulder Visit Strengthens $24.9B Trade Relations

UPDATE: EU Ambassador to the U.S. Jovita Neliupšienė visited Boulder, Colorado, on Tuesday, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen the EU’s significant investment of $24.9 billion in the state. This funding has supported tens of thousands of jobs and enhanced trade relations, which are critical to both the local economy and international collaboration.

During her first visit to Boulder, Neliupšienė addressed students at the University of Colorado Boulder, sharing insights about the EU’s history and its ongoing relationship with Colorado. “The relations are very close and very diverse with Colorado, and I think that’s important to continue,” she stated in an exclusive interview with the Daily Camera.

In a meeting with Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett, Neliupšienė discussed the city’s participation in the EU Cities Gateway program. This initiative aims to connect cities across the U.S., Canada, and the EU to share best practices and improve urban living conditions, a project that is currently in its early stages. “I’m really, really glad that Boulder decided to join the project,” Neliupšienė said, highlighting the city’s growing international ties.

The ambassador’s visit follows her speaking engagement at the University of Wyoming on Monday, where she also promoted EU relations. She pointed out that Colorado benefits greatly from trade, noting that the state’s exports to the EU approach $1 billion annually.

Moreover, Neliupšienė expressed optimism about the recently formalized U.S.-EU trade deal, which caps tariffs at 15% for most EU exports. This agreement is expected to provide greater stability and predictability in trade, a crucial factor for local businesses. “I think that it’s important for any community, Boulder and other communities in Colorado, to actually make sure that we have less friction and less problems in the trade and economic relations flows,” she urged.

The ambassador also engaged with CU Boulder students, addressing contemporary issues like the EU’s stance on U.S. policies under former President Trump and responses to ICE raids across the country. “The European Union is built on the values of democracy, rule of law and human rights, and we will continue to champion them,” she affirmed, empowering students to be active participants in these discussions.

Neliupšienė, who took office as ambassador on January 1, 2024, previously held various leadership roles in her native Lithuania, including vice minister of foreign affairs. Her visit to Boulder underscores a pivotal moment in strengthening international relations and trade, impacting not just Colorado but also the broader U.S.-EU dynamics.

As Boulder continues to solidify its role in global trade, residents and officials alike are keenly aware of the potential benefits that a thriving relationship with the EU can bring. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops further.