Media Advisory: EU Ambassador's Visit to Further Strengthen EU-Wyoming Ties

Business Wire, Feb 26, 2008

WASHINGTON -- Ambassador John Bruton, Head of Delegation of the European Commission to the United States, visits Cheyenne and Laramie February 27-29 for the inauguration of the University of Wyoming's European Studies minor and to discuss EU-U.S. political and trade relations with the Governor, state legislators, business and academic leaders.

During his visit, Ambassador Bruton will deliver the keynote speech and participate in the University of Wyoming conference 'Strengthening EU-U.S. relations: National and Local Approaches.' He will meet with Governor Dave Freudenthal and address both houses of the Wyoming State Legislature. Ambassador Bruton will also tour the Wyoming Technology Business Center and visit the Wyoming State Museum.

In his meetings with business leaders, Ambassador Bruton will highlight the substantial EU-Wyoming trade and investment ties. The EU is the number one foreign investor in Wyoming representing over 60 percent of total foreign investment. The $9.3 billion in annual EU investment support an estimated 5,900 jobs within the state and create numerous business opportunities. At the same time, the EU is an important market for Wyoming businesses. In 2006, Europe purchased $76.6 million worth of goods from the state.

Prior to his visit, Ambassador Bruton said: "The EU's robust economic relationship with the state of Wyoming is a reflection of the larger transatlantic relationship. At a time when America's attention is increasingly turning toward Asia, it is important to keep in mind that the $4 trillion economic relationship between the European Union and the United States is the largest, most profitable, most integrated and longest-lasting in history. It is also the most important driver of global economic growth, trade and prosperity."

Ambassador Bruton will discuss a host of issues of common concern to the European Union and the State of Wyoming, including energy, climate change, free trade and counterterrorism.

Ambassador Bruton is a former Irish Prime Minister, who helped transform the Irish economy into the "Celtic Tiger," one of the fastest growing economies in the world. He was first elected to the Irish Parliament in 1969 at the age of 22 as a member of the Fine Gael Party, becoming Party Leader in 1990 and leading it into government in 1994. He currently heads the Delegation of the European Commission in Washington, which represents the EC in its dealings with the U.S. government for all matters within EU competence or purview. The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, a community of 27 democracies joined together, dedicated to the promotion of peace, stability and prosperity.

Ambassador Bruton / Media Availabilities:

Cheyenne: Thursday, February 28, 10:45 am in Room 302 of the State Capitol following the Ambassador's address to the House and Senate.

Laramie: Thursday, February 28, 4:45 pm Wyoming Union Room 203 following the UW conference 'Strengthening US-EU relations: National and Local Approaches.'

For further information, to attend any of the Ambassador's public events or to schedule an interview, please contact Kevin Gilna at (202) 441-3401.