News

American Hour: Our values are shared across Europe, the Atlantic and the globe

On Thursday, 14 May, we had the pleasure of welcoming Angela Ellard, Republican Chief Trade Counsel, Ways & Means Committee, US House of Representatives for our American Hour, members only series. Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU provided opening remarks and moderated the discussion stressing that this is a key moment to demonstrate the values we share in Europe, across the Atlantic and with the rest of the global community.

The European Parliament acts during COVID-19 times

For the seventh edition of its ‘Town Hall’ for members, AmCham EU connected with Klaus Welle, Secretary-General, European Parliament. In his remarks, Mr Welle summarised the measures taken by the European Parliament during the COVID-19 crisis. Business continuity has been guaranteed thanks to a digital upgrade that allows remote voting, participation to the Committees’ meetings as well as to the Plenary sessions and on Monday, 8 June, the first virtual trialogue will take place. 

Beyond ensuring the protection of its personnel and business continuity in the new virtual environment, the European Parliament also implemented some practical solidarity measures such as using its canteens to prepare meals for people in need as well as for medical staff; protecting vulnerable women by accommodating them on the European Parliament premises in Brussels and using its cars and truck fleet for transportation of food to doctors and nurses. 

American Hour: Transatlantic cooperation makes history

Our last members only American Hour series took place on Thursday, 7 May 2020. H.E. Stavros Lambrinidis, EU Ambassador to the US was our guest speaker and during the discussion he stressed that: 'When the EU and the US fight with each other, we make headlines. When we work together, we make history.'

Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU highlighted that the Commission has put forward significant efforts to provide solutions to the COVID-19 crisis and pointed to the collaboration between Member States as a sign of EU solidarity going a long way.

Maxime Bureau (3M), Chairman, AmCham EU, moderated the discussion.

Transatlantic solidarity is key to fighting COVID-19

For the sixth edition of its ‘Town Hall’ for members, AmCham EU connected with Nicolae Ștefănuță, MEP (RE, RO), Vice-Chair of the Delegation for the relations with the United States, European Parliament.

Mr Ștefănuță shared his insights on the COVID-19 emergency and on the work of the European institutions, particularly that of the European Parliament during these unprecedented times. He also highlighted the fact that, despite the easing of lock-down measures, the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic continues and we are not back to ‘business-as-usual'. To fight the COVID-19 emergency globally, he stressed the need to link solidarity to international cooperation, the need for transatlantic solidarity, the important role of business and the need to better communicate at the national level about the European institutions' response to the crisis.

AmChams in Europe: COVID-19 crisis and economic recovery

Last Thursday, 30 April 2020, the AmChams in Europe network hosted a virtual event on the COVID-19 crisis and economic recovery. This webinar featured a panel discussion with Emanuel Adam, Executive Director, British American Business; Eveline Y. Metzen, General Manager, AmCham Germany; Peter Dahlen, Managing Director, AmCham Sweden and Simone Crolla, Managing Director, AmCham Italy. 

Susan Danger, Chair, AmChams in Europe and CEO, AmCham EU moderated the event which saw the participation of over 300 members, AmChams in Europe colleagues and stakeholders from both sides of the Atlantic.

Town Hall: We need increased transatlantic cooperation more than ever

For the fifth edition of its ‘Town Hall’ for members, AmCham EU connected with Phil Hogan, Commissioner for Trade, European Commission. 

The Commissioner shared his insights on the COVID-19 emergency and highlighted that this public health crisis affects all countries and all people. He added that the outbreak has proven beyond any doubt that we rely on the global arteries of trade to deliver vital goods like medicine and food to where they are needed and he is therefore, convinced that this outbreak has only amplified the need for more transatlantic cooperation. 

April Plenary: Unlocking Europe's potential in data and digital technologies

On Tuesday, 21 April 2020, AmCham EU hosted a digital-themed and virtually-based plenary meeting to discuss the European Commission’s recent ‘Shaping Europe’s digital future’ communication, and the strategies to build trust, increase technological innovation and establish a data-driven economy for Europe. The event featured a panel discussion with keynote speakers Petra De Sutter, Member of European Parliament (Greens/EFA, BE), European Parliament and Kim Jørgensen, Head of Cabinet, Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, European Commission. As we are still in the early months of the new legislative mandate, both Ms De Sutter and Mr Jørgensen presented their respective digital priorities and offered perspectives for how the EU can successfully and safely achieve its technological future. 

Wisconsin and the EU: Thriving Together

'Wisconsin and the countries of the EU are inextricably linked by history, culture, trade and investment. As we both move forward in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, those ties will be more important than ever' according to Melissa (Missy) Hughes, CEO, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. 

Did you know that the EU is Wisconsin’s second-largest export destination? In 2019, Wisconsin’s exports to the EU totaled $4.1 billion comprised of industrial machinery, medical and scientific equipment and electrical machinery. Find out more about the close relationship between the EU and Wisconsin from Melinda's opinion piece available on our Thriving Together platform.

AmCham EU position on Single Use Plastics Directive

On Thursday, 23 April 2020, AmCham EU published a position paper on the Single Use Plastics Directive. This feeds into the work of the European Commission as it collaborates with key stakeholders in its preparation of guidance documents and implementation actions. The Single Use Plastics Directive was adopted in June 2019 and aims to reduce marine litter. The position paper specifically addresses the scope and calculation of litter clean-up costs relating to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), as well as obligations relating to marking and awareness-raising measures.