Governor Glenn Youngkin announced on Wednesday he will embark on a week-long “international trade mission” to Europe as lawmakers continue work on the biennial Virginia budget ahead of the May special legislative session.
The governor’s office confirmed Youngkin’s “third international trade mission” will include stops in Germany, Denmark, Finland, and Switzerland between April 28 to May 3. He plans to meet with business leaders, public officials and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
Youngkin said in a statement, “This economic development trade mission with strong European partners will build on business relations, our shared priorities and highlight the Commonwealth’s capabilities,” before highlighting the benefits Virginia provides to international businesses.
“Germany, Denmark, Finland and Switzerland represent critical markets that will advance economic growth and prosperity in Virginia,” the governor stated.
Youngkin added, “In strengthening these relationships, we are not only reaffirming our commitment to economic development in the Commonwealth but also strengthening the spirit of Virginia.”
Separately, Youngkin reportedly met with Conor Burns, the British Trade Envoy for the United States, with the goal of creating a United Kingdom-Virginia Memorandum of Understanding on trade, according to The Richmond Times-Dispatch. Such an agreement would elevate Virginia to the same trade status as many of its regional economic rivals.
The governor announced his European travel agenda as lawmakers anticipate finishing the Virginia budget in May after months of disputes.
Youngkin made that announcement after he failed to reach substantial agreement with Democrats on his “Common Ground Budget,” which offered to sacrifice his desired tax cuts in exchange for excising tax hikes sought by Democrats.
“As our work begins on the budget, working together we can find common ground to move Virginia forward,” Youngkin said in a statement at the time.
The governor’s published travel schedule suggests his first full day back in Virginia will be May 4. This would leave the governor just eight days between his return and the May 13 date set for the special session to commence.
According to a statement released by Youngkin and Democratic leaders in the General Assembly, a vote on the budget is planned for May 15.
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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Georgia Star News, The Virginia Star, and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Glenn Youngkin” by Governor of Virginia.
