News

Examining where transatlantic trade goes from here with POLITICO

At the POLITICO Competitive Europe Summit, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU reiterated the need for swift implementation of the EU-US Framework Agreement and renewed its call for greater simplification of EU rules. Mr Lohan expressed cautious support for the deal, noting its role in avoiding damaging escalation and restoring a degree of predictability. He also underscored the importance of reducing regulatory burdens, highlighting simplification as a strategic priority for competitiveness. With the priority now on timely tariff reductions, regulatory cooperation and simplification, find out how our members see the deal evolving. 

Shaping the future of Europe's digital landscape

On Tuesday, 30 September, AmCham EU hosted Roberto Viola, Director-General, Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, European Commission for a discussion on simplifying Europe’s digital legislation and the future of the digital landscape. Moderated by Jeremy Rollison (Microsoft), Chair, Digital Economy Committee, AmCham EU the conversation addressed business calls for legal certainty, interoperability and streamlined compliance to drive innovation. The discussion also underscored the need for clear guidance, consistent enforcement and alignment with global standards. By reducing complexity and fostering trust, effective cooperation between policymakers and industry is critical to unlocking Europe’s digital and economic potential. 

Calling for clearer and innovation-friendly chemicals policy

On Monday, 29 September 2025, AmCham EU hosted a roundtable on the future of EU chemicals policy. Opening remarks were delivered by Ana-Maria Blass Rico, Acting Head of Unit, REACH, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs and Paul Speight, Head of Unit, Safe and Sustainable Chemicals, Directorate-General for the Environment, European Commission. The discussion focused on the chemicals omnibus, how to simplify REACH and support substitution through innovation. Members highlighted the need for clearer guidance, flexible approaches and realistic timelines to support both safety and competitiveness. The meeting closed with a strong call to ensure that future policy remains practical, innovation-friendly and aligned with Europe’s industrial ambitions. 

Thriving in the digital world

Women remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, especially in the information and communications technology (ICT) field, where only one in five specialists are female. To help address this imbalance, Cisco’s Women in Science and Engineering network marked International Girls in ICT Day 2025 with a global broadcast and local events across Europe, offering mentorship, skills workshops and networking opportunities. From Krakow to Lisbon, initiatives inspired girls to explore careers in technology and empowered them to shape the digital future. Learn how Cisco is bridging the gender gap in ICT on Invested in Europe. 

Welcoming Brussels back to business

On Wednesday, 17 September, AmCham EU joined 19 other associations and POLITICO to mark Brussels’ return from the summer break at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. The event drew over 1,500 guests, including Andrew Puzder, US Ambassador to the EU. The evening provided a platform for stakeholders from industry, politics, civil society and media to connect. This year’s conversations focused on Europe’s place in a changing world and the policies needed to boost growth, investment and global competitiveness. 

From tangled to tidy: can the Environmental Omnibus simplify Europe’s green transition?

Europe’s environmental rules have become increasingly complex, creating contradictory and duplicative requirements that undermine the EU’s competitiveness globally. With the Environmental Omnibus, the EU has an opportunity to streamline its most complex rules. Tackling overlaps, inconsistencies and excessive reporting obligations would improve legal clarity, enhance predictability and strengthen the business case for investment and the clean transition. From permitting to product sustainability, waste, chemicals and beyond, learn why clearer rules will drive Europe’s competitiveness and accelerate the green transition.

Strengthening EU-US financial cooperation with Paul S. Atkins

On Friday, 12 September, AmCham EU and AmCham Belgium hosted Paul S. Atkins, Chair, Securities and Exchange Commission, for a discussion on the transatlantic financial agenda. The dialogue focused on strengthening EU-US cooperation and the need for clear, coherent regulatory frameworks that foster innovation and investment. As financial markets face increasing complexity, transatlantic alignment remains essential to economic resilience and competitiveness. By bringing together policymakers and industry leaders, AmCham EU continues to advance a constructive regulatory environment that drives growth on both sides of the Atlantic. Find out more about our work on financial services and corporate sustainability. 

State of the Union 2025: Europe must unite behind competitiveness

In her annual State of the Union address to the European Parliament, Commission President von der Leyen warned that, at a time of geopolitical rivalry, a new Europe must emerge. 

Commenting on her remarks, Malte Lohan, CEO, the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU), echoed the Commission President’s pitch for European unity and emphasised the critical role of the competitiveness agenda: ‘President von der Leyen captured the urgency of the moment: “Europe is in a fight”. But the EU will get nowhere in that fight without a competitive economy that generates investment, innovation and growth. The Commission has set the course; it is now for the Parliament and Member States to follow through and make competitiveness Europe’s defining strength’. 

Critical choices for critical medicines

Shortages of critical medicines can have wide-reaching consequences for patients across Europe. While European Commission’s proposed Critical Medicines Act is a positive step, its emphasis on restrictive localisation measures risk protectionism and fails to address the core issue. Instead, the focus must be on building resilient and diversified supply chains. By fostering international partnerships, supporting fair procurement practices and reducing regulatory burdens, policymakers can help safeguard patient access while strengthening Europe’s global competitiveness. Learn why a balanced, evidence-based approach to critical medicines is needed in our latest blog.