Gov. Gretchen Whitmer launches 2nd trade mission to Europe of 2026

Craig Mauger, The Detroit News on Jun 15, 2026

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LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's office announced Monday that the Democratic leader is traveling to Europe for a weeklong trade mission that will include attending a defense and security conference taking place in Paris.

The venture marks Whitmer's second trip to Europe of the last five months, as she's faced criticism from some Republicans for her out-of-country journeys. She went to Germany and Italy in February. Whitmer is in her eighth and final year as governor.

"Michigan is open for business and on the move, working with anyone and competing with anyone to onshore good-paying jobs for Michiganders," Whitmer said in a statement. "On this investment mission, we’ll strengthen ties with European allies, showcase Michigan’s leadership in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense and innovation and bring home new opportunities that create good-paying jobs for Michiganders."

The press release from the governor's office didn't detail the cost of the trip. But it said the mission is being financially supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and the Michigan Economic Development Foundation.

That foundation is a nonprofit organization that raises money from some of the state's largest companies to held fund Whitmer's travel and other business attraction activities.

Whitmer's February trip to Europe cost about $208,000, according to documents previously obtained by The Detroit News through an open records request.

The governor's trip to Italy included a visit to the Winter Olympics in Milan, where she attended the gold medal game for women's hockey on Feb. 19. Whitmer's office has refused to disclose who paid for the governor's ticket to see Team USA's overtime victory against Canada's women's hockey team.

While in Europe this month, the Michigan delegation is taking part in the Eurosatory conference. Its website describes it as "the global event for defense and security." Whitmer's office said she will be the only governor at the conference.

The group of Michigan residents traveling with Whitmer includes multiple health care industry leaders: Marc Corriveau, senior vice president and chief government relations officer for Henry Ford Health System; Laura Appel, executive vice president for the Michigan Health and Hospital Association; and Phil Yeiter, senior director of government relations for Priority Health/Corewell Health.

Quentin Messer Jr., the CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corp., is also part of the delegation.

"Michigan’s ongoing relationships across Europe continue to create opportunities for our businesses, workers and communities," Messer said. “As Team Michigan engages with partners in France, Belgium and Luxembourg, we are strengthening connections that attract investment, open doors for Michigan companies in key industries and support trade."

In recent months, the attorney general's office has been investigating Messer's role in a $20 million grant that was allegedly misused by Fay Beydoun, a prominent Democrat activist and campaign donor.

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