News

State of the Union 2020: Europe’s future is now by Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU

At the beginning of the year, Europe was abounding with optimism – a new year, a new decade, and a newly inaugurated Commission with a fresh, forward-looking mandate. This felt like the year that Europe could finally disengage from crisis mode, and look to the future. A smart, green, carbon neutral economy, with burgeoning industry and prospering society was within Europe’s grasp.  Alas, nine months on, 2020 will go down in history as the annus horribilis of our time. But as the fallout of this latest historic crisis weighs heavily on Europe’s fragile societies, can President von der Leyen inject some much-needed vitality into the economic recovery?

The phasing out of primary batteries is incompatible with Europe’s goal for a carbon neutral economy

On Tuesday, 15 September AmCham EU together with 13 other trade associations signed a statement contesting the restriction of primary batteries in framework of the current revision of the EU Batteries Directive. The signatories strongly support the ambitions of the Green Deal and maintain that the phasing out of primary batteries is incompatible with Europe’s goal for a carbon neutral economy. The statement also highlights that over the last few years, the environmental impact of primary batteries has been consistently decreasing and batteries are now effectively recycled if brought to a collection point. Overall, signatories argue that studies have shown that phasing our primary batteries would only have moderate effects on the amount of waste batteries (-25% by weight) but would bring negative impact on global warming. Read the statement here. 

Help is only a telephone call away!

The past months have been very challenging for many people around the globe. Not only the physical effects but also the mental impact of the pandemic is immense. Since the outbreak, many of us have sadly lost loved ones and friends, who have suffered also both physically and mentally from the impact of COVID-19. Therefore, AmCham EU supports the initiatives taken in the framework of World Suicide Prevention Day.

A donation has been made to https://www.chsbelgium.org/en/ to support those struggling around us, as a sign that they are not alone. CHS operates a Mental Health Services Centre in Brussels, housing an international team of professional therapists who provide support for a comprehensive range of mental health issues. CHS has been supporting the international community of Belgian community regardless of their nationality or circumstances since 1971. No-one should feel that they are alone - help is only a telephone call away.

Invested in Europe: Tackling global hunger

Did you know that 109 million Europeans are at risk of food insecurity as a result of poverty? Herbalife Nutrition, a global leader in nourishment, has set up the Herbalife Nutrition Foundation to tackle the triple threat of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition. Through partnerships with local NGOs, donations of nutrient dense products from its Nutrition range, as well as grants, Herbalife Nutrition is increasing access to healthy foods and nutritional education. Through these actions and more, Herbalife’s Nutrition Foundation had a positive impact on over 10,000 children in Europe in 2019. Read more about Herbalife’s story on our Invested in Europe platform.  

Legislative framework for the governance of common European data spaces

AmCham EU shares the European Commission’s vision that common European data spaces will create an enabling environment where market participants feel empowered to share, re-use data and be in control of their data. At the heart of the proposed data spaces are the users, who need certainty that their data is handled in a responsible manner. The success of the EU data strategy depends on establishing data governance mechanisms and structures that foster an open and inclusive approach, built on responsible and values-driven data sharing.

We are convinced there is an opportunity to develop a better culture of data sharing in Europe, and that ultimately this will contribute to boosting the EU data economy. AmCham EU and our members are committed to continuing the dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders on the essential role of data in domains of public interest and for the EU economy. For more details on our position, read our consultation response here. 

Leah Charpentier speaks at the Université d’été du MEDEF

On Thursday, 27 August, Leah Charpentier (First Solar), Chair, Communications and Marketing Group, AmCham EU spoke at the Université d’été du Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF) as part of CommStrat Club's partnership with MEDEF which included a session on how to speed up the industrial sector in France. In her intervention, Leah emphasised the need for a comprehensive industrial strategy to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness in the global economy and the region’s ability to attract foreign investment. Watch the full video here. 

Queen Elisabeth Competition donations

The Queen Elisabeth Competition has been active since 1937 as one of the main music competitions of world-renowned importance. Only WWII had imposed a pause to the event prior to the COVID-19 postponement of the 2020 edition. The competition is relying mainly on private donations and needs financial support more than ever to go through this exceptional ordeal. Donations are vital and will make it possible for the Queen Elisabeth Competition to organise an outstanding and awaited piano edition next year, maintaining its standard of excellence.

Statement on cross-sectoral business concerns vis-à-vis the French law on the fight against waste and the circular economy

AmCham EU published a statement signed by 20 trade associations that highlights cross-sectoral business concerns vis-à-vis the French law on the fight against waste and the circular economy: 'Loi relative à la lutte contre le gaspillage et à l'économie circulaire'. 

The statement welcomes France’s ambition and efforts to transpose the revised Waste Framework Directive, Packaging Waste Directive and the recently adopted Single Use Plastics Directive. However, the signatories believe that some specific provisions within the law could be damaging for the functioning of the EU’s Internal Market as they will create new trade barriers and are disproportionate with regard to the stated policy objectives. For more details, read the full statement here. 

Collective redress: New consumer rules must safeguard against abusive litigation

The American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU) supports the efforts of the Commission to guarantee a high level of consumer protection and provide redress to individuals who have been harmed by illegal practices. The newly endorsed proposal on representative actions enables consumers across the European Union to launch class action cases on a variety of legal matters. However, we are disappointed with the rushed final compromise text for the Directive that was agreed at the end of the Croatian presidency mandate.