This week marked an important chapter in Florida’s global engagement story. Nearly twenty European Union ambassadors and trade representatives arrived in Miami and Tallahassee—the first joint EU delegation to the state—signaling Europe’s growing interest in Florida as a strategic hub for innovation, trade, and collaboration across the Americas.
At IMPACTIFI Global, we see this as more than a diplomatic visit. It’s a strong validation that Florida’s innovation ecosystem is earning global attention, and that Miami continues to emerge as the bridge linking Europe, the United States, and Latin America.
A Dialogue at the Heart of Diplomacy
During the mission, IMPACTIFI’s Chief Global Officer Camilo Padron and CEO Terry Grandal Cusse attended a private reception hosted by Spain’s Consul General Belén Alfaro at her residence in Coral Gables. The intimate gathering brought together the visiting EU ambassadors and select leaders from South Florida’s business and innovation community.
The evening created a rare opportunity for direct dialogue about how the European Union and Florida can co-develop pathways for investment, emerging technology, and international expansion. Conversations centered around shared priorities in aerospace, health tech, and AI—key sectors where IMPACTIFI continues to drive collaboration between global innovators.
Florida: A Gateway for Global Growth
EU Ambassador to the U.S. Jovita Neliupšienė summarized the spirit of the mission perfectly:
“Florida is quite important politically and economically. We see tremendous opportunities here in sectors that matter deeply to Europe—technology, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.”
With Europe already accounting for roughly 60% of foreign direct investment in the state and supporting over 140,000 jobs, the delegation’s visit reinforced how essential international cooperation has become for sustained growth.
IMPACTIFI’s Role Moving Forward
IMPACTIFI Global will continue to foster these relationships, working alongside diplomatic offices, trade organizations, and local partners to build a stronger bridge between Florida and Europe’s innovation ecosystems. The goal is clear—create new channels for funding, technology transfer, and business readiness that help companies scale across borders.
As the EU delegation departs, the message is unanimous: Florida isn’t just a destination—it’s a launchpad for global collaboration.