Italy National Day On behalf of the United States of America, I extend warm congratulations to the people of Italy on the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic. As the United States celebrates its 250th year of independence, we honor the profound influence that Rome’s republican traditions had on our Founding Fathers. Just as Rome’s legacy shaped the birth of American democracy, today’s partnership between the United States and Italy continues to advance the values of fait

Croatia Statehood Day On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Croatia as you celebrate your Statehood Day. The United States values our strong partnership with Croatia. We commend Croatia’s leadership in hosting a successful Three Seas Initiative Summit and Business Forum in April, which demonstrated a commitment to advancing regional connectivity and prosperity. Croatia’s contributions to regional energy security and defense cooperation remain

Alexandros Giotopoulos The United States is deeply disappointed by the Greek Piraeus Court of Appeals’ decision to release Alexandros Giotopoulos, the leader and mastermind of the far-left Greek terrorist organization 17 November. Over the course of 27 years, 17 November assassinated four American government employees: Richard Welch, Captain George Tsantes, Captain William Nordeen, and Sergeant Ronald Stewart. The group also murdered a British military attaché, a Turkish emb

Norway Joins Pax Silica Initiative On May 6, the United States welcomed the decision by the Kingdom of Norway to join the Pax Silica initiative. As a member of Pax Silica, Norway will play a leading role to develop diversified critical mineral supply chains. Norway’s Ambassador to the United States, Anniken Huitfeldt, signed the Pax Silica Declaration in Washington, D.C., officially acknowledging Norway’s participation in the initiative. The United States and Norway affirmed

Businesses urged to take simple steps for smoother trade with the EU UK-EU SPS Agreement - Information for Businesses On 19 May 2025, the UK government and the European Union (EU) agreed to pursue a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement. This, together with the Windsor Framework, will make it easier, cheaper and more predictable for goods to move not just between the UK and the EU, but also within the UK itself, including smoother movements from Great Britain to Nort

United States Welcomes Ireland’s Signing of the Artemis Accords The Department of State congratulates Ireland on joining the Artemis Accords. Ireland is the 66th country to sign the Accords to date, pledging its commitment to peaceful space exploration and use. Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke signed the Accords on behalf of the Republic of Ireland on May 4, 2026. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Chief of Staff to the Under Secret

United States Welcomes Malta’s Signing of the Artemis Accords The Department of State congratulates the Republic of Malta on joining the Artemis Accords. Malta is the 65th country to sign the Accords to date, pledging its commitment to peaceful space exploration and use. Malta’s Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation Clifton Grima signed the Accords on behalf of the Republic of Malta on May 4. U.S. Ambassador to Malta Somers W. Farkas and NASA Euro

Poland National Day On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Poland on your Constitution Day. Poland’s 1791 constitution, the first modern constitution in Europe, stands as a testament to your nation’s enduring commitment to democracy, liberty, and national sovereignty. Polish defenders of liberty have been a part of America’s story from the beginning, and we continue to be united by our shared commitment to freedom and prosperity. The United St

Joint Statement on the Strategic Dialogue Between the United States and Poland The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Poland on the occasion of the U.S.-Poland Strategic Dialogue. Begin Text The United States of America and the Republic of Poland held the 16th round of the U.S.-Poland Strategic Dialogue April 30 in Warsaw. U.S. Department of State Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Ho