Build skills for Europe’s future to kick-start jobs and growth

The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU joins newly elected Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in calling for decisive action to accelerate European growth over the next five years.

Following his election as the next president of the European Commission, AmCham EU offered its congratulations, and welcomed his aim of renewing the Commission as a strong institution which will lead the way on major policy challenges.

Hendrik Bourgeois, Chair of AmCham EU said, “We look forward to Mr Juncker leading the way to ensuring that the EU delivers for companies and all European citizens, moving towards a more dynamic Europe which is open for people as well as capital, and which promotes jobs and growth.”

“We welcome Mr Juncker’s pledge to use €300bn over the next three years for energy, infrastructure, and digital issues projects. Using the EU budget to address internal market infrastructure gaps is precisely what Europe needs to overcome long-term challenges to growth that the crisis has exposed.”

As a result of concerted European action, we are slowly emerging from the most severe crisis in decades, but AmCham EU remains deeply concerned about a lost generation of labour that Europe risks if high unemployment rates in many European countries do not abate.

Susan Danger, Managing Director of AmCham EU said, “completing the Single Market, and agreeing on a successful and comprehensive EU-US trade deal are key ways to enable SMEs to revitalize our economy, and ensure that these high unemployment rates are the exception, and not the rule.”

AmCham EU agrees with Mr. Juncker that the talks on the EU-US trade deal should continue to be open and transparent, an issue the Commission has lead on throughout these talks.

 “Transparency begins at home, which is why we support Mr Juncker’s call for an obligatory Transparency Register.”

AmCham EU continues to call for much needed reforms to the European economy, and stands ready and willing to work with the new Commission to help deliver this change.

Ms. Danger continued, “It is essential that the EU focuses on building skills for the future, embraces entrepreneurial change, and leads by example towards global free trade.”

AmCham EU speaks for American business committed to Europe on trade investment and competitiveness issues. It aims to ensure a growth orientated business and investment climate in Europe. AmCham EU facilitates the resolution of transatlantic issues that impact business and play a role in creating better understanding of EU & US positions on business matters. For more information, please contact: Anna McNally, Communications Director Email: anna.mcnally@amchameu.eu Direct: +32 (0)2 289 10 16