EU Ambassador Urges Stronger Ties During Urgent Boulder Visit

UPDATE: EU Ambassador to the United States, Jovita Neliupšienė, has called for enhanced collaboration between the European Union and Boulder, Colorado during her visit on Tuesday. With $24.9 billion invested in Colorado, Neliupšienė emphasized the urgent need to strengthen trade relations that have already supported tens of thousands of local jobs.

During her address at the University of Colorado Boulder, Neliupšienė detailed the EU’s impact on the region and urged community leaders to seize economic opportunities. “The relations are very close and very diverse with Colorado, and I think that’s important to continue,” she stated, highlighting the urgency of collaborative efforts.

Boulder’s investment in initiatives like the EU Cities Gateway program was a focal point in her discussions with Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett. This program aims to unite cities across the U.S., Canada, and the EU to share best practices in governance and improve residents’ quality of life. Neliupšienė expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I’m really, really glad that Boulder decided to join the project.”

The ambassador’s visit comes at a critical time, following her engagement at the University of Wyoming the day before. Her advocacy for closer ties is part of a broader effort to increase the EU’s footprint in local economies, particularly where significant investments have already been made.

The EU’s investment has facilitated nearly $1 billion in annual trade with Colorado, showcasing the economic importance of this relationship. Neliupšienė pointed out that many European companies have established a presence in Colorado, bolstering local jobs and opportunities.

Looking ahead, she expressed optimism over the recent U.S.-EU trade deal, implemented on August 1, 2023, which caps tariffs at 15% for most EU exports. “This will provide predictability and stability,” she affirmed, while cautioning about potential cost impacts on consumers due to tariffs. “I think 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 added.

Neliupšienė also engaged with students, addressing their questions about the EU’s stance on U.S. policies and human rights issues. “The European Union is built on the values of democracy, rule of law, and human rights, and we will continue to champion them,” she asserted, encouraging civic involvement.

Having assumed her role as ambassador on January 1, 2024, Neliupšienė’s commitment to fostering transatlantic relations is clear. Her visit signifies a pivotal moment for Boulder as it seeks to enhance its international partnerships for future growth.

Stay tuned for updates on how Boulder and the EU will continue working together to shape a prosperous future.