Unlocking EU Med Tech Markets: Regulations and Opportunities in Germany & Italy

Ali Natale is a Senior International Trade Specialist with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service (CS) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she helps U.S. companies in the Energy, Environmental Technologies, Healthcare and Transportation sectors unlock global growth opportunities. Ali is an active member of the CS Global Healthcare Team, and she is a NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP). Prior to joining the federal government, Ali built her career at Axalta Coating Systems, where she led global product management initiatives, shaping portfolio strategy and scaling innovative technologies across international markets. Ali holds a B.S. in International Business from Saint Joseph’s University and has earned a Global Digital Marketing & Localization Certification from The Localization Institute.

Elizabeth Walsh is a Commercial Specialist for the U.S. Commercial Service Germany.  She has been with CS Frankfurt since 1996, promoting exports from the United States to Germany and foreign direct investment by German companies in the United States.  Since 2025, her strategic industries are Biotechnology, Healthcare (together with Ulrike Riegeler) and Dental Equipment & Supplies.   She is also the leader of the CS Europe Travel and Tourism Team and a self-confessed Salesforce guru with a passion for improving professional knowledge and customer service across the global International Trade Administration team.  Prior to joining the U.S. Commercial Service, Elizabeth worked for the Irish Tourist Board in Marketing , covering Central and Eastern Europe.  Elizabeth has a B.A. degree in Translation with Interpreting from Dublin City University.

Mr. Zapiain is senior medical technology specialist in Industry and Analysis in the International Trade Administration (ITA). He devotes most of his time to working with the U.S. medical device industry and with international health and trade ministries to reduce obstacles in exchange of medical technology. Some of Mr. Zapiain’s more salient experience with ITA deals with international agreements, standards, and regulations. He worked on the well-known U.S.-Japan Semiconductor Arrangement, with APEC, and with the European Commission on the U.S. – EU Medical Device Mutual Recognition Agreement. He won the Gold Medal, the Department’s highest honor, for his work on the Suspension Agreement on Steel Products from China. Mr. Zapiain is a graduate of the Department’s Executive Leadership Development Program and served as Senior Advisor in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Industry and Analysis. Mr. Zapiain earned his Master’s Degree in International Trade from Texas A&M International University and his Master’s Certificate in Project Management from the George Washington University. Additionally, Mr. Zapiain is a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) and a black belt in modern karate and traditional taekwondo. Mr. Zapiain is a professional executive coach and serves clients as part of ITA's Talent Reserve Force.

Kira Migliorini worked for the U.S. Commercial Service for 21 years. Previously, she worked for the University of California, as Director of their study abroad program in Rome. She has a bachelor’s degree in humanities from the University of Bologna (with a year abroad at the University of Pennsylvania) and a master’s degree in management of development from a joint program from the University of Turin and the International Labor Organization (ILO). Before joining the U.S. Commercial Service, Kira was the Director of the Rome Center of Accent International, a U.S. study abroad managing organization. She was responsible for the organization and management of the University of California study abroad program. As Commercial Specialist she covers life sciences, healthcare, scientific instruments, plastics, packaging, and composites, leveraging the US industry in Italy through the organization of events, such as company presentation and policy roundtables and supporting US exporters, with counseling, partner search and high-quality market reports. She is member of the Genomic and Omics Technologies Subteam and actively engaged with the Global Healthcare Team. Kira received the Global Market Director General’s Award for her commitment and support in resolving medical devices supply chain issues during Covid pandemic.

Ulrike Riegeler has been a Commercial Specialist at CS Frankfurt since 2001. In this role, she supports U.S. companies in successfully entering and expanding within the German market, with a particular focus on the healthcare, education and training, publishing, forestry/woodworking, and machinery sectors. She advises exporters on market entry strategies, identifies potential business partners, and facilitates connections with key stakeholders across Germany. In addition, Ulrike is responsible for coordinating and managing the internship program at the Frankfurt office, mentoring students and providing them with practical insights into international trade promotion and U.S.–German business relations. Ulrike studied Business and Tourism at the Hochschule Harz in Germany.