Gov. Holcomb builds European partnerships in Slovakia and Italy

Monday, September 9, 2024 at 7:00 PM

Governor Eric J. Holcomb returned to Indianapolis following an international trip to Slovakia and Italy with the Indiana National Guard and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

This international trip marked the governor's 3rd trip to Slovakia and his second trip to Italy as governor.

Gov. Holcomb and Maj. General Lyles met with the U.S. Ambassador Guatam Rana and discussed Indiana and Slovakia’s productive relationship, including the Indiana National Guard’s strong 30-year partnership with Slovakia.

To commemorate the 80^th anniversary of the 1944 Slovak National Uprising, Gov. Holcomb and Maj. Gen. Lyles attended anniversary ceremonies in Banska Bystrica to pay respects and honor the sacrifices made many years ago.

While in Slovakia, the governor visited Malacky Air Base to witness a milestone for the Slovak military. Slovakia purchased and received its first F-16 fighter aircraft this year, delivered in partnership with the Indiana National Guard. Indiana and Slovakia are now simultaneously operating F-16s which strengthens defense and keeps our militaries prepared at all times.

While in Italy, Gov. Holcomb and the delegation met with President Fontana in Lombardy. At a robust roundtable, the group discussed ways to better enhance our economic and academic collaboration. Gov. Holcomb and Pres. Fontana both support the critical connection between industry and a strong, skilled workforce and we will continue this partnership to better grow these vital industries.

While in Milan, the Indiana delegation met with U.S. Consul General Douglass Benning. Italy is a strong ally of Indiana and the United States and their hospitality on this trip demonstrated that. Indiana is home to 35 Italian companies and Indiana has 15 businesses operating in Italy. In 2023, Indiana exported over $3.21 billion worth of goods to Italy while importing over $1.95 billion worth of goods from Italy.

The delegation traveled to the Dallara Academy in Milan where they met with Giampaolo Dallara, founder of the company. They saw first hand the innovation happening in the motorsport space, thanks to the work the company is doing across multiple sectors, including defense and workforce. Dallara is a leader in the industry and they are future focused on advancing the sport. Dallara has a robust operation in Speedway, Indiana, the racing capitol of the world.