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Invested in Europe: How IBM is bridging the digital skills gap

14 Jul 2023
All Committees
Future of Work, Education & Skills

World Youth Skills Day on 15 July is a timely reminder of the need to equip everyone - including young people – with the skills they need to access and thrive in on the labour market. Both government and private sector have a key role to play in tackling the digital skills gap. As part of a holistic investment in the future of work, IBM SkillsBuild, a free education programme, is changing this status quo, by incentivising a skills-first approach and fostering diversity and inclusion. This programme has helped 1.72 million registered participants globally gain valuable new skills and access new career opportunities. Many of these participants come from some of the very populations that are underrepresented in technology today: girls, women, disadvantaged communities and refugees. Learn more about this and other stories of American companies’ commitment to the communities they interact with and the places they call home on Invested in Europe.

Diving into healthcare in Strasbourg

14 Jul 2023
All Committees
Healthcare

From Tuesday 11 July to Wednesday, 12 July, AmCham EU’s Healthcare Committee visited the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France to discuss key EU health policy developments including the Parliament beginning work on the European Commission’s proposals for the revision of the general pharmaceutical legislation as well as the ongoing parliamentary negotiations on the European Health Data Space (EHDS). Meeting with key MEPs involved on these files, including rapporteurs on the EHDS and part of the pharmaceutical package, delegates underlined the need to maintain and strengthen an attractive ecosystem for life sciences innovation throughout Europe. 

EU-New Zealand Agreement: AmCham EU welcomes signature and renews calls for progress on all EU trade agreements

13 Jul 2023
All Committees
Trade & External Affairs

AmCham EU fully supports the signature of the EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and calls on the European Parliament and the Council to ratify this deal before the European elections in June 2024.

Invested in Europe: How Mattel equips children with the skills to thrive

10 Jul 2023
All Committees
Future of Work, Education & Skills

What difference can a Barbie make? A lot! Recent findings from research commissioned by Mattel show that children develop critical social skills by playing with dolls, just like when they play with others. Children develop empathy, creativity and information processing – the building blocks of success – when they are simply given the chance to play. Learn more about this and other stories of American companies’ commitment to the communities they interact with and the places they call home on Invested in Europe. 

EU-US data flows: EU decision paves way for new framework

10 Jul 2023
All Committees
Digital Economy

On Monday, 10 July, the European Commission adopted the adequacy decision establishing the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, an agreement that will foster safe transatlantic data flows and serve as a long-term and reliable arrangement for the EU and the US. The decision to adopt the Framework is an important step towards restoring confidence in the ability to transfer data across the Atlantic after the invalidation of the EU-US Privacy Shield, which caused uncertainty for thousands of businesses on both sides. This agreement also reflects the shared commitment of the EU and the US to strike the right balance between the free flow of data and the protection of privacy. For more information about EU-US data flows, read our blog post.

Preparing European customs for the future

4 Jul 2023
All Committees
Customs & Trade Facilitation

How can Europe update its customs procedures to tackle modern problems? On Tuesday, 4 July, AmCham EU explored this question, hearing policy and industry perspectives during a panel discussion. The attention was on how the upcoming EU Customs Reform can clarify the roles of all stakeholders in the supply chain. Attendees heard from Werner Rens, Advisor-General, Belgian Administration of Customs and Excise on how the reform can facilitate worldwide trade. The plenary also served as the launching point for our new customs brochure Adapting Europe's Customs Union to the new reality.  

Adapting Europe’s Customs Union to the new reality

4 Jul 2023
All Committees

In today’s economy, customs administrations are faced with a variety of complex challenges ranging from the growing importance of e-commerce and emerging technologies, to recent global crises that have put severe strains on supply chains. Simultaneously, the role of customs authorities has changed dramatically in the past two decades, and they now cover roles such as supply chain security, environmental and health standards revisions and trade facilitation. These changes have also been exacerbated by the ongoing reform of the Union Customs Code – the greatest reform made to the European customs ecosystem since the 1990s. Read more in our latest customs brochure, Adapting Europe’s Customs Union to the new reality.

Invested in Europe: driving the green transition with Honeywell

3 Jul 2023
All Committees

Decarbonisation and meeting climate goals is no easy task, especially in Ringsted, one of Denmark’s busiest transit hubs and home to over 23,000 people. But thanks to Honeywell’s innovative technology, Ringsted District Heating Utility (DHU) was able to meet its ambitious energy, cost reduction and emissions reduction goals. In just one year, DHU produced 97% carbon-free heat, offering a reliable source of heat for residents and businesses within the 124-km district heating network. Learn more about this and other stories of American companies’ commitment to the communities they interact with and the places they call home on Invested in Europe.

Harnessing Digital Solutions for a Green Transition

3 Jul 2023
All Committees

The twin transition will require strong synergies between sustainability and digitalisation. Particularly, the European Union will need rapid scaling, development and deployment of digital solutions in order to undergo its green transformation. In certain sectors this transformative synergy has already taken place. For this to occur across other markets, policymakers should encourage more investment, create enabling policy environments, deepen transatlantic cooperation and develop accurate measuring metrics, among other things. Our latest position paper details how we can continue to ensure synergies between sustainability and digitalisation.  

Bulgarian start-up AMIRA Meditech wins AmCham EU Youth Entrepreneurship Award 2023

29 Jun 2023
All Committees

AmCham EU and Junior Achievement Europe (JA Europe) are delighted to announce that AMIRA Meditech, a Bulgarian start-up, is the winner of the AmCham EU Youth Entrepreneurship Award 2023. Following the previous three editions, this year was again dedicated to women entrepreneurs. Natalia Konova, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder captivated the jury with her dedication to fighting antimicrobial resistance and optimise antibiotic prescriptions in hospitals.

President von der Leyen: ‘Happy birthday, AmCham EU!’

29 Jun 2023
All Committees

In a video address presented at AmCham EU’s 60th Anniversary Gala, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, congratulates the organisation for reaching this important milestone. ‘Today, I want to thank you not only for your leadership over the last 60 years, but also for your continued engagement to shape this new era of transatlantic friendship. 'Happy birthday, AmCham EU, and many happy returns’, said President von der Leyen. Watch her full remarks here.

Prime Ministers De Croo and Kallas on the importance of transatlantic ties at AmCham EU’s 60th Anniversary Gala

29 Jun 2023
All Committees

Sitting down for a fireside conversation, Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister, Belgium and Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister, Estonia kicked off the festivities in style at AmCham EU’s 60th Anniversary Gala on Wednesday, 28 June. Throughout their discussions, the two heads of government highlighted the significance of cooperation and the benefits of strong  transatlantic ties. By working together, the EU and the US can build on each other’s strengths, adding prosperity and security on both sides of the Atlantic. See more from our 60th Anniversary Gala in our full recap. 

Building bridges and encouraging entrepreneurship with our Executive Council

29 Jun 2023

From Tuesday, 27 June to Wednesday, 28 June, AmCham EU’s Executive Council held a series of engagements with leaders on both sides of the Atlantic. The group started off by meeting with Humza Yousaf, First Minister, Scottish Government to discuss relations between Scotland, Europe and the US. They next met with Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice, Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers, European Commission to look broadly at the attractiveness of Europe for industry and how to boost competitiveness through business involvement.  

Celebrating our 60th anniversary in style: Gala 2023

29 Jun 2023
All Committees

Bringing together over 500 guests, AmCham EU celebrated its 60th Anniversary on Wednesday, 28 June in true style. The evening began with a conversation between Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister, Belgium and Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister, Estonia on the importance of strong transatlantic ties. The rest of the evening ranged from celebratory messages from the likes of Mark Gitenstein, United States Ambassador to the EU and Ursula von der Leyen, President, European Commission, to sustainable dining and music from the NATO SHAPE International Band and Ukrainian Cellist and Queen Elisabeth Competition laureate Oleksiy Shadrin. The celebrations were capped off with a presentation of the Youth Entrepreneurship Award by Vera Jourova, Vice-President, European Commission to Bulgarian start-up AMIRA Meditech. Couldn’t make it? Here’s what you missed. 

Taking strides in the fight against cancer

26 Jun 2023
All Committees

For 24 hours over Saturday, 24 June and Sunday, 25 June, the AmCham EU team campaigned and raised funds for the fight against cancer during the annual Relay for Life at the St Johns International School in Waterloo. Cancer is a disease that touches all of our lives, and staying on the track for a whole day represents a small tribute to the perseverance of cancer patients and their loved ones. AmCham EU also walked in memory of our dear former colleague Andreas Galanakis. We're still collecting donations for those who wish to contribute. 

Who is the BestinBrussels?

26 Jun 2023
All Committees

On Thursday, 22 June, AmCham EU took home the runner-up prize in the Best EU Trade Association 2023 category at the BestinBrussels 2023 Best Practice Awards. Surveying over 700 Brussels public affairs professionals and consultants, the award considered 2,400 trade associations operating in Brussels. Those shortlisted included Airlines for Europe (A4E), AmCham EU, DIGITALEUROPE, and the European Confederation of Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs (EUCOPE) with CEFIC, the European Chemical Industry Council, taking the top prize. Congratulations to all those involved! 

Fostering an open and competitive EU trade policy agenda

22 Jun 2023
All Committees
Trade & External Affairs

Encouraging a more cooperative and efficient international trading system is key to safeguarding the global economy. For Europe, an open, free, rules-based trade policy agenda will be essential to promote its attractiveness and growth, as well as for the success of the green transition. Given the current context, as well as the European elections and the World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference that will take place in 2024, it is crucial for the EU to strengthen its business environment and boost its bilateral trade agenda through Free Trade Agreements. Read more about how to promote an open and competitive EU trade policy agenda. 

Underlining the benefits of free trade in Strasbourg

22 Jun 2023
All Committees
Trade & External Affairs

From Tuesday 13 June to Wednesday, 14 June, AmCham EU’s Trade and External Affairs Committee visited the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France to discuss trade policy and the recent Trade and Technology Council ministerial. Meeting with key MEPs involved with the Committee on International Trade, delegates spoke about the importance of ratifying key Free Trade Agreements with Australia, Chile, Mercosur, Mexico, and New Zealand by the end of the mandate. By advancing trade policy, the EU can become more attractive and competitive for business.  

AmCham EU hosts its 2023 Annual General Meeting

21 Jun 2023
All Committees

On Tuesday, 20 June, AmCham EU held its Annual General Meeting (AGM), where we had the honour of welcoming Ilze Juhansone, Secretary-General, European Commission for a keynote speech for a second year in a row. During the internal session, members reviewed last year’s accomplishments and discussed plans for the organisation in 2023 and beyond.

Transatlantic business priorities at George Washington University

21 Jun 2023
All Committees

On Tuesday, 13 June, Thibaut L’Ortye, Public Affairs Director, AmCham EU, spoke at George Washington University’s Elliot School of International Affairs. Taking part in a panel with Jonathan Day, Chief of Staff to Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC), the discussion focused on transatlantic foreign direct investment, business community priorities and how to strengthen engagement at the local level. 

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