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Meeting with Commissioner Dombrovskis on regulatory simplification

4 Feb 2025
All committees

On Monday, 3 February, AmCham EU met with Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification. The focus of the meeting was to underscore the urgency of regulatory simplification through the Omnibus simplification package. With 84% of our membership citing regulatory burdens as their top challenge for doing business in Europe, the need for action is clear. The Omnibus represents a crucial opportunity to reduce the regulatory burden, restore business confidence in the EU and establish a clear roadmap for future policy. 

Connecting with the newly arrived APAs

4 Feb 2025
All committees

To mark the arrival of the newly arrived Accredited Parliamentary Assistants (APAs) in Brussels, AmCham EU hosted a reception on Monday, 3 February. The event provided a platform for our members to engage with the APAs, exchange insights and foster connections. As Parliamentary staff, APAs play an invaluable role in laying the groundwork for Europe’s future. Their work shapes much of what we discuss in Brussels. Sarah Lenczner (Qualcomm), Vice-Chair of AmCham EU’s European Parliament Outreach Task Force and Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU, opened the evening by welcoming attendees and highlighting the role of public-private partnerships in shaping effective policymaking. Thank you to Mondelēz International, MSD and Qualcomm for sponsoring the event. 

Enhancing clarity on export controls in cloud computing

4 Feb 2025
All committees
Digital Economy

The unclear application of the ‘Dual-Use Regulation’ on cloud computing services risks creating different interpretations and significant divergences across Member States. This threatens the EU’s harmonisation goals while limiting access to benefits such as improved security, cost savings, and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning – technologies that can play a key role in monitoring compliance and detecting potential export control violations. By developing detailed guidance in line with the these recommendations, the Commission can clarify how exports controls apply to the context of cloud computing. 

US business in Europe cautions against potential EU-US trade tit-for-tat

3 Feb 2025
All committees

The US administration is moving forward with the implementation of 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and 10% on China. This decision has sparked concerns from the business community around the world. The US Chamber of Commerce has highlighted why these ‘unprecedented’ tariffs are not the answer to the problems the administration seeks to address as well as the associated economic risks (full statement).   

Cooperating on Ukraine’s reconstruction

2 Feb 2025
All committees
Ukraine Task Force

How can American business in Europe accelerate Ukraine’s reconstruction? That was what AmCham EU discussed with Ambassador Davide La Cecilia, Italian Special Envoy for the Reconstruction of Ukraine on Friday, 31 January. Mr La Cecilia also gave insights on how Italy’s presidency of the G7 in 2024 helped in supporting Ukraine. Finally, the discussion turned to Italy’s priorities for the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference, to be held in Rome later this year. The meeting highlighted the crucial role transatlantic cooperation can play in supporting Ukraine and its people.  

Engaging with the Japanese Ambassador to the EU

31 Jan 2025
All committees

On Friday, 31 January, AmCham EU’s Board of Directors welcomed Kazutoshi Aikawa, Japanese Ambassador to the EU. He was joined by Akie Hoshikawa, First Secretary and Tetsuya Uetake, Counsellor, Economic Section, Mission of Japan to the EU. The discussions covered a range of issues, particularly around the current geopolitical conditions and how our members can work with counterparts in Japan. The discussion also highlighted areas for continued collaboration on shared priorities between American business in Europe and Japan.

Turning today’s students into tomorrow’s engineers

29 Jan 2025
All committees

GE Aerospace is stepping in to make sure Europe has the workforce it needs for the years ahead. In partnership with the Perspektywy Education Foundation, it expanded its Next Engineers programme to Warsaw, Poland in January 2025 to increase the diversity of young people  pursuing careers in engineering. It aims to enrol 4,000 students over four years between the ages of 13 and 18. With hands-on activities, immersive camps and a three-year academy, the programme fosters engineering skills while promoting diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. Learn more on Invested in Europe. 

Industry calls for the withdrawal of the AI Liability Directive

29 Jan 2025
All committees
Digital Economy

EU policymakers must withdraw the AI Liability Directive in order to avoid adding unnecessary complexity and uncertainty to Europe’s artificial intelligence (AI) regulatory landscape. With the recently passed Product Liability Directive already expanding liability rules to AI, AmCham EU is joining the call with other industry associations in warning that additional, overlapping measures on AI would hinder innovation and disrupt established business practices. Policymakers should instead focus on regulatory simplification, in line with the Draghi Report on Competitiveness. Learn how a clear framework for AI can support innovation and Europe’s competitiveness in the joint statement.

Connecting with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

29 Jan 2025
All committees

On the evening of Tuesday, 28 January, we had the pleasure of co-hosting a reception with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as part of their delegation to Brussels. The event brought together business representatives, policymakers and key stakeholders for an engaging and insightful evening. Marjorie Chorlins, Senior Vice-President, European Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU opened the event with brief remarks, setting the tone for a fruitful exchange of ideas. 

What will make the headlines in 2025?

29 Jan 2025
All committees

On Tuesday, 28 January, AmCham EU held its first plenary meeting of the year discussing the stories that will make the headlines in 2025.  Our panel of journalists covered a range of issues, including the new US administration, climate policies and the evolving transatlantic relationship. Afterwards Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Executive and Chief Economist, European Policy Centre, joined us and spoke about the geopolitical pressures impacting Europe. 

Moving the needle on competitiveness

29 Jan 2025
All committees

Commenting on the Competitiveness Compass presented, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU, said: 'The Compass confirms the Commission’s intent to tackle the EU’s competitiveness gap, in particular the regulatory burden. Whether or not this moves the needle will only become clear once the roadmap is translated into concrete action. There is no time to waste.

Advocating for transatlantic investment in Strasbourg

27 Jan 2025
All committees

From Tuesday, 21 to Thursday, 23 January, AmCham EU visited the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France to speak with key MEPs working on investment in the EU. With nine in ten American companies in Europe anticipating a worsening EU-US trade and investment relationship, it is critical that we remove barriers to doing business in the region. While regulation can encourage fairness and innovation in Europe, in excess, it can create unnecessary administrative burdens and hinder the private sector’s capacity to grow. To find out more about where our members see the EU-US relationship going, take a look at our recent survey.  

Joint statement on modernising customs to enhance global trade

24 Jan 2025
All committees
Customs & Trade Facilitation

For International Customs Day 2025, AmCham EU is reaffirming our commitment to advancing customs efficiency. In alignment with this year’s theme, we are emphasising the critical need for efficient IT systems, digital solutions and public-private partnerships to streamline global trade processes. These advancements, coupled with investments in workforce training and cutting-edge technologies like AI, will empower customs authorities to facilitate legitimate trade while securing borders. Learn why balanced regulatory frameworks, partnerships and technological advancements are needed to tackle future challenges and make the global trade ecosystem smoother in the joint statement. 

Businesses’ role in keeping transatlantic dialogue open

24 Jan 2025
All committees

The transatlantic relationship is the most integrated in the world, accounting for 16 million jobs on both sides of the Atlantic and one third of global GDP. To stress the importance of this partnership, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU joined a panel at Boeing’s New Year Reception on Thursday, 23 January. While there may be uncertainty about the future, Mr Lohan underlined there are plenty of areas for cooperation to advance the relationship going forward. From his view, business has an integral role to play to make sure dialogue between Europe and the US remains open so that both regions continue to reap the immense benefits of the transatlantic economy. 

Highlighting the importance of close EU-US trade relations

21 Jan 2025
All committees
Customs & Trade Facilitation
Trade & External Affairs

On Thursday, 16 January, Micol Bertolini, Associate Policy Manager represented AmCham EU at a panel organised by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Europe and the Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie (BDI). The topic of discussion? EU-US trade relations. Ms Bertolini spoke about why now, with a new administration in the White House, close transatlantic ties are crucial to overcoming shared challenges. With 16 million jobs on both sides of the Atlantic, a strong transatlantic partnership, based on shared values and interests is needed for growth and security for both regions. With EU-US relations entering a new phase, find out how our members see the relationship evolving.

American companies in Europe brace for tougher transatlantic business climate, survey finds

20 Jan 2025
All committees
Transatlantic

As President Donald Trump takes office, a new survey of American companies in Europe finds that nine in ten anticipate a worsened EU-US trade and investment relationship. Respondents also have a pessimistic outlook on anticipated policy changes, with two-thirds expecting US policies to have a negative impact on their operations in Europe in the coming years. This concern applies to policies on both sides of the Atlantic. When asked the same question about announced EU policies, a majority (52%) also predicted a negative impact. However, 28% expected EU policies to have a ‘somewhat’ or ‘very’ positive influence on their European operations.

Overcoming the fragmentation of the NIS2 transposition

20 Jan 2025
All committees
Digital Economy

The NIS2 Directive has the potential to be a cornerstone of the EU’s cybersecurity strategy, driving improved security and resilience across Member States. However, fragmentation in national approaches risks undermining the Directive’s objectives and creating unnecessary burdens for businesses, particularly those operating across borders. For the Directive to succeed, consistency in transposition and alignment on shared standards must be prioritised. By addressing the implementation challenges, the EU can not only strengthen its cybersecurity posture but also create an environment conducive to innovation, investment and growth in the digital age. 

Welcome to our new members

15 Jan 2025
All committees

We are delighted to announce our membership has grown in the last quarter of 2024 and at the beginning of 2025. AbbVie, AP Wireless, GE Vernova, Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo and Wabtec have been approved as new members. We wish a warm welcome to our new members and look forward to working closely on our advocacy efforts in the future.  

Leadership update

15 Jan 2025
All committees

AmCham EU is pleased to announce recent election results from the end of 2024 and beginning of the year and welcome these new and re-elected leaders. We wish successful terms to Katharina Bryan (Amazon), Sophie Claessens (Amazon), Bernd Ewers (RTX) and Claudia Selli (AT&T INC.). The Secretariat would also like to thank the member who is stepping down for the extraordinary work she completed during her term: Sabine Van Depoele (Fedex). More details about the leadership changes mentioned above can be found here.  

Planting the seeds of net zero

15 Jan 2025
All committees
Environment

The European Commission’s proposal for a 2040 greenhouse gas emissions target underscores the EU’s commitment to climate neutrality. Now just months after COP29 and with 2024 being the hottest year in recorded history, urgent action is required. With a proposed 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, this vision depends on strategic investments in low-carbon technologies and regulatory simplification. But the first step on this journey is achieving the 2030 targets, which require deeper collaboration between policymakers and industry. Only by fostering innovation and creating an attractive investment environment will the EU lead the global transition to a sustainable and resilient economy. Learn why industry involvement is essential to maintaining EU competitiveness during this transition.

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