El Lehendakari en Washington: Estados Unidos es más que Trump
Lehendakari Pradales Strengthens Basque-U.S.Ties During Official Visit
Table of Contents
- Lehendakari Pradales Strengthens Basque-U.S.Ties During Official Visit
- Meeting with the Basque Community in Washington
- The Role of the Basque diaspora
- Lehendakari Pradales’ U.S. Visit: Strengthening Basque-American Ties – Q&A Guide
- What is the purpose of Lehendakari Pradales’ visit to the United States?
- When did Lehendakari Pradales begin his official visit to the United States?
- Who is Imanol Pradales?
- What is the “Euskadi Globala” strategy?
- What are the shared values that Lehendakari Pradales emphasized during his visit?
- What role does the Basque diaspora play in strengthening U.S.-Basque ties?
- What key meetings and activities were on Lehendakari Pradales’ agenda during his visit?
- Who are Senator James E. Risch and Congressman John Garamendi, and what is their meaning in U.S.-Basque relations?
- what topics were discussed during the roundtable at George Washington University?
- What is the significance of the Gernika Tree in the context of U.S.-Basque relations?
- Why did Lehendakari Pradales meet with the Solomon R.Guggenheim Foundation?
- What is the purpose of Pradales’ meeting with IBM?
- How does Lehendakari pradales view potential shifts in U.S. policy under a new Trump governance?
- Summary of Key Individuals and Institutions
Lehendakari Imanol Pradales commenced his first official trip to the United States, marking a significant step in reinforcing the bonds between Euskadi and the U.S. The visit, which began shortly after his election as head of the Basque autonomous government in June 2024, is strategically timed to enhance political, economic, and cultural relations.
Meeting with the Basque Community in Washington
The journey started with a crucial meeting with the Basque community in Washington. This gathering served as a platform to strengthen ties between Euskadi and the United States.Pradales emphasized the importance of shared values:
Democracia, paz, libertad, seguridad, igualdad o justicia social
He expressed his conviction that these founding values of the EU are also embraced by the American people, stating:
Estados Unidos es mucho más que Trump, y sus delirios imperiales y expansionistas.
The Role of the Basque diaspora
Pradales highlighted the critical role of the new Basque diaspora in fostering stronger connections between Euskadi and the U.S. He urged them to serve as a bridge, emphasizing:
Necesitamos de vuestra aportación y participación. Necesitamos el impulso de la nueva diáspora vasca a quien representáis.Queremos que seáis nuestras antenas en Estados Unidos y nos ayudéis a identificar las oportunidades que surjan en el camino.
He also acknowledged the Basque community’s contribution to Euskadi’s international presence and their dedication to preserving the cultural and social heritage of the Basque people.
Euskadi Globala Strategy
Pradales reaffirmed Euskadi’s commitment to global market integration and the promotion of international trade as a means for progress and collective well-being. He stated:
Damos continuidad a nuestra Estrategia ‘Euskadi globala’, que tiene objetivo que Euskadi crezca como país y en bienestar.
He concluded by underscoring Euskadi’s dedication to international cooperation and building bridges. In an international climate marked by uncertainty, he stressed the need to strengthen alliances and promote international cooperation.
Frente a las tentaciones y derivas imperialistas, el proteccionismo salvaje o la política de bloques, defendemos los acuerdos multilaterales.
The Lehendakari emphasized that this trip aims to strengthen transatlantic relations and unlock new opportunities in political, economic, business, and social spheres. he advocated for international agreements “frente al proteccionismo salvaje” and the collective good, “frente a la Ley del Oeste.”
Visit to the Offspring of the Gernika Tree
on March 11, 2025, the Lehendakari’s agenda included a meeting with business representatives, discussions with Senator James E. risch (Republican) and Congressman John Garamendi (Democrat), who has Basque roots. The day concluded with a round table at George Washington University,focusing on:
Democracia,relaciones transatlánticas y multilateralismo: una visión europea del nuevo escenario internacional
The discussions covered geopolitics,transatlantic relations,security,trade,and tariff policies. A visit to the offspring of the Gernika Tree, planted in 2016 at the Capitol’s Peace Park, was also scheduled.
Garamendi, a key figure in the Basque lobby in the U.S., has facilitated interactions between Euskadi and the United States for many years. Risch, representing Idaho, brings direct knowledge of the Basque community in Boise.
The Lehendakari planned to exchange views with both U.S. leaders on the policies enacted since donald Trump’s return to the White House and how these policies might affect Euskadi’s economic and business interests.
On March 12,2025,the Lehendakari was scheduled to meet with the heads of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, along with ibone Bengoetxea, Vice-Lehendakari and Minister of Culture and Linguistic Policy, and Elixabete Etxanobe, Deputy General of Bizkaia, to:
Abordar los retos de futuro de la pinacoteca, como son impulsar la colección propia, reforzar la dimensión internacional del museo y seguir siendo una palanca essential para desarrollo del ecosistema cultural de euskadi, entre otros.
That afternoon, Pradales planned to meet with the Basque community in new York, a diverse group including long-time residents, second and third-generation descendants, and recent arrivals.
Amidst the early stages of Donald trump’s new administration, Pradales, along with Eider Mendoza, Deputy General of Gipuzkoa, was scheduled to meet with IBM on March 13, 2025, regarding the quantum supercomputer being built in Donostia’s Ibaeta district.
Lehendakari Pradales’ U.S. Visit: Strengthening Basque-American Ties – Q&A Guide
What is the purpose of Lehendakari Pradales’ visit to the United States?
Lehendakari Imanol Pradales’ official trip to the United States is strategically aimed at reinforcing the bonds between Euskadi (the Basque Country) and the U.S. The visit seeks to enhance political, economic, and cultural relations between the two regions. It serves as a platform to strengthen transatlantic ties, explore new opportunities across various sectors, and advocate for international cooperation.
When did Lehendakari Pradales begin his official visit to the United States?
Lehendakari Imanol Pradales commenced his first official trip to the United States shortly after his election as head of the Basque autonomous government in June 2024. Specific dates within the trip include meetings scheduled for March 11-13, 2025.
Who is Imanol Pradales?
imanol Pradales is the Lehendakari, or President, of the Basque autonomous government (Euskadi). He was elected in June 2024 and has prioritized strengthening international relations, particularly with the United States, through initiatives like the “Euskadi Globala” strategy.
What is the “Euskadi Globala” strategy?
The “Euskadi Globala” strategy is Euskadi’s complete approach to global market integration and the promotion of international trade. It aims to foster economic growth and improve well-being within the Basque Country by expanding its international presence, building bridges with global partners, and promoting multilateral agreements. Pradales’ visit to the U.S. is a continuation of this strategy.
During his meeting with the Basque community in Washington, Lehendakari Pradales emphasized the importance of shared values such as:
Democracy
Peace
Freedom
Security
Equality
Social Justice
He expressed his belief that these values are embraced by both the EU and the American people.
What role does the Basque diaspora play in strengthening U.S.-Basque ties?
The Basque diaspora plays a critical role in fostering stronger connections between Euskadi and the U.S. Lehendakari pradales has urged them to serve as a bridge, contributing their expertise and participation to identify opportunities and promote Basque culture and interests in the United States. Thay are seen as “antennas” for Euskadi, helping to navigate and leverage opportunities in the U.S.
What key meetings and activities were on Lehendakari Pradales’ agenda during his visit?
The lehendakari’s agenda included several key meetings and activities:
Meeting with the basque community in Washington and New York.
Meeting with business representatives.
Discussions with U.S. Senator James E. risch and Congressman John Garamendi.
A round table discussion at George washington University focusing on democracy, transatlantic relations, and multilateralism.
Visit to the offspring of the Gernika Tree at the Capitol’s Peace Park.
Meeting with the heads of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation.
Meeting with IBM regarding the quantum supercomputer project in Donostia.
Who are Senator James E. Risch and Congressman John Garamendi, and what is their meaning in U.S.-Basque relations?
Senator James E. Risch (Republican, Idaho): Represents Idaho, a state with a notable Basque population in Boise. His presence signifies U.S. recognition of this crucial constituency and their ties back to Euskadi.
Congressman John Garamendi (Democrat, California): Has Basque roots and is a key figure in the Basque lobby in the U.S. He has facilitated interactions between Euskadi and the United States for many years.
what topics were discussed during the roundtable at George Washington University?
The roundtable at George Washington University focused on the following topics:
Democracy
Transatlantic relations
Multilateralism
Geopolitics
security
* Trade and tariff policies
The overarching theme was a European vision of the new international scenario.
What is the significance of the Gernika Tree in the context of U.S.-Basque relations?
The Gernika Tree is a symbol of Basque freedom and autonomy going back centuries. An offspring of the original Gernika Tree was planted at the Capitol’s Peace Park in 2016, representing the enduring link between the Basque Country and the United States, as well as a shared commitment to peace and democracy.
Why did Lehendakari Pradales meet with the Solomon R.Guggenheim Foundation?
The meeting with the heads of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, along with Ibone Bengoetxea and Elixabete Etxanobe, was organized to discuss the future challenges and opportunities of the guggenheim Museum Bilbao. The discussion covered enhancing the museum’s own collection,strengthening its international dimension,and ensuring it remains a key driver of the cultural ecosystem in Euskadi.
What is the purpose of Pradales’ meeting with IBM?
The meeting with IBM focused on the quantum supercomputer being built in donostia’s Ibaeta district and was held amidst potential policy shifts following Donald Trump’s return to the White House. it underscores Euskadi’s commitment to technological advancement and its alignment with leading international companies like IBM.
How does Lehendakari pradales view potential shifts in U.S. policy under a new Trump governance?
Lehendakari Pradales planned to exchange views with U.S. leaders on policies enacted as Donald Trump’s return to the White House and how these policies might affect Euskadi’s economic and business interests. He expressed concern over “wild protectionism” and called for international agreements to counter imperialist tendencies and promote collective well-being.
Summary of Key Individuals and Institutions
| Individual/Institution | Role/Significance |
| :——————————— | :—————————————————————————– |
| Imanol Pradales | Lehendakari of the basque Country (Euskadi) |
| James E. Risch | U.S. Senator representing Idaho; educated about the Basque community |
| John Garamendi | U.S. Congressman with Basque roots; facilitator of U.S.-Basque relations |
| Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation | Oversees the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, vital to Euskadi’s cultural ecosystem |
| IBM | Partner in the quantum supercomputer project in Donostia |
An offspring of the original Gernika Tree was planted at the Capitol’s Peace Park in 2016, representing the enduring link between the Basque Country and the United States, and also a shared commitment to peace and democracy.