Italy’s consul in Detroit, Allegra Baistrocchi, in her role as president of the European Union (EU) in Michigan, presided over the Europe Day celebration today at the Michigan State Government Building in Lansing.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives Matt Hall, members of the Michigan Senate and House, and members of the diplomatic corps present in the state attended the event, along with representatives of nonprofit organizations and other distinguished guests.
In her speech, Consul Baistrocchi stressed the importance of the birth of the EU in promoting cooperation among European countries, moving from a declaration of intent to a union of 27 nations, more than 450 million citizens and a lasting commitment to freedom, democracy and the rule of law.
Baistrocchi then took the opportunity to emphasize the established and living ties between Europe and Michigan, where more than 3 million people can trace their origins back to a European country such as Italy, Ireland, Greece, Poland or Germany. Stating that the ties between the EU and the state of Michigan are not limited to these historical ties, he noted, “Michigan is one of Europe’s most valued economic partners in the United States.”
To better exemplify this strong economic partnership, Baistrocchi noted how “there is over $121.1 billion in EU foreign direct investment in the state and about $11 billion in exports of goods and services from Michigan to the EU in 2023.”
The relationship between Michigan and the EU goes far beyond economic and financial relations, with cooperation involving cultural and civic institutions, universities and schools in order to promote educational exchanges, celebrate the arts and foster global citizenship. Governor Whitmer, whose leadership values international engagement and collaboration, said the partnership between her state and Europe is more important than ever, from finding solutions for clean energy and climate change to promoting peace, equity and human rights.
He continued: “All of these partnerships create a deeper exchange of ideas, experiences and traditions and ultimately help make Michigan a better place to live, work and invest,” before thanking Consul Baistrocchi for her commitment to the State of Michigan and handing her a proclamation celebrating “Europe Day” in Michigan today.
The article Consul of Italy in Detroit Allegra Baistrocchi celebrates Europe Day comes from TheNewyorker.
