A group of 16 European Union ambassadors to the United States visited Florida International University (FIU) as part of an event organized by the Miami-Florida Jean Monnet European Center of Excellence. The visit included deputy chiefs of mission, consuls general, and honorary consuls from EU member states. They spent time engaging with FIU students, faculty, and community members on topics related to transatlantic relations and global challenges.
FIU President Jeanette M. Nuñez welcomed the delegation along with Provost Elizabeth Béjar, Green School Dean Shlomi Dinar, and Dr. Kimberly Green, president of the Green Family Foundation and co-chair of the Green School Dean’s Advisory Board.
“Your visit to Florida signifies something special for us,” Nuñez said. “Many European Union citizens call our state home, and we are honored and privileged to have such a strong relationship with the EU. We understand innovation and technology in this day and age truly transcends borders.”
Dean Shlomi Dinar highlighted the importance of connecting students directly with international leaders: “Today’s visit reflects the commitment of the Green School to connect our students and community with global leaders and practitioners who are shaping the world we live in.” he said. “Your visit offers our students an invaluable opportunity to engage with global changemakers. We’re truly honored to be part of this historic occasion.”
Jovita Neliupšienė, Ambassador of the European Union to the United States, addressed attendees at FIU’s College of Law courtroom with a keynote titled “The Transatlantic Partnership and EU-Florida Relations.” She emphasized strengthening ties between Europe and Florida: “Our next stop is to meet with Florida’s legislators at the state capitol in Tallahassee. We want to find out what are the most important and crucial issues to both the EU and US. Our EU community is the longest lasting example of peace. Peace is a key component of our European Union integration, and the EU is one of the biggest customers of U.S. technology-exporting companies,” Neliupšienė said.
Markus Thiel, director of FIU’s Miami-Florida Jean Monnet European Center of Excellence, introduced Jesper Møller Sørensen, Ambassador of Denmark to the United States. Sørensen spoke about youth engagement in diplomacy: “The most important relationship is between the U.S. and the EU, and we are all interested in maintaining it,” he said.
Students had opportunities to ask questions about data privacy, emerging technology, and global governance during their interactions with diplomats.
International relations student Fabian Ramos reflected on meeting international leaders: “I will always cherish the opportunity to meet with the Ambassadors,” Ramos said. “It was important to hear from government leaders who impact global diplomacy and as Ambassador Neliupšiené mentioned, as young people we are the generation of future leaders and we must continue to give our best.”
