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41st Annual Competition Policy Conference: Competition Policy and Economic Security

25 Sep 2024
All Committees
Competition policy

With new dynamics on both sides of the Atlantic, leaders face a crucial decision between maintaining a rules-based approach to competition policy or adopting a more industry-oriented approach. This decision is a difficult one to make, in particular as economic security dominates the agenda. But what role should governments play in striking the right balance between openness and strategic autonomy? Join us on Thursday, 14 November for our 41st Annual Competition Policy Conference, where we’ll look and the pros and cons of both approaches.

Reinvigorating Europe’s competitiveness with Susan Danger

19 Sep 2024
All Committees

Europe must take urgent action to regain its attractiveness. With the findings of the Draghi report adding to the alarm bells that business has been ringing for quite a while, now is the time to act. For Europe to address the challenges that are hindering its competitiveness, a rethinking of its regulatory framework, an emphasis on scaling up financing and prioritising strategic partnerships are crucial. Hear more from Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU on how Europe can regain its attractiveness

AmCham EU shortlisted for the Association Excellence Awards 2024

19 Sep 2024
All Committees

We’re proud to announce that AmCham EU has been shortlisted in three categories of the Association Excellence Awards 2024. Running since 2015, the awards celebrate the work that trade associations do on behalf of their members. The categories we have been nominated for are Best Celebratory Event, Best Leadership and Best Team. Good luck to the other finalists and stay tuned for Friday, 8 November when the winners will be revealed.  

Integrating diversity and inclusion into sustainability reporting

19 Sep 2024
All Committees
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

As the CSRD introduces more comprehensive sustainability reporting requirements across the EU, organizations must ensure that DE&I is not just an add-on but a core component of their sustainability strategies. This event will focus on how DE&I practices can be effectively integrated into the new reporting standards. Join us on Tuesday, 1 October where we will explore best practices, share challenges and uncover opportunities for collaboration to foster a more inclusive and sustainable business environment.

Engaging at Global Public Affairs Forum in Paris

19 Sep 2024
All Committees

On Wednesday 18 September, Thibaut L’Ortye, Senior Director, Public Affairs, AmCham EU represented the organisation at POLITICO Executive Network’s Global Public Affairs Forum in Paris, France. Mr L’Ortye spoke about the upcoming US elections and emphasised the need for continued collaboration across the Atlantic. The transatlantic relationship remains the largest of its kind globally. No place in the world attracts more US foreign direct investment (FDI) than Europe.

Welcoming Brussels back to business

16 Sep 2024
All Committees

On Wednesday, 11 September, we joined 14 other associations in welcoming Brussels back from the summer. Taking part at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, we welcomed over 950 guests including Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister, Belgium and Jamil Anderlini, Editor in Chief, POLITICO Europe. The event focused on how to build a competitive and resilient future for Europe. Discussions highlighted the importance on making Europe more attractive for business through initiatives like the European Green Deal. Learn how we can lead Europe towards a brighter future in our Agenda for Action.

US business is a partner of EU competitiveness

16 Sep 2024
All Committees

Mario Draghi’s report on the future of European competitiveness provides an important contribution to the ongoing debate across the continent. It outlines critical avenues to build a stronger EU economy, one that is equipped to face a challenging external environment as well as support the prosperity and security of citizens. The report highlights Europe’s competitiveness gap, which is rooted in well-known challenges including overregulation, a risk-averse approach to innovation and high energy costs. It is evidenced by sobering economic data, such as the growing GDP and productivity gap between the US and EU, and a new forecast by the European Central Bank of weak growth across the eurozone economy.

Advocating for open trade at the WTO Public Forum

13 Sep 2024
All Committees
Trade & External Affairs

From Tuesday, 10 to Thursday, 12 September, an AmCham EU delegation visited the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Public Forum in Geneva, Switzerland. During the trip, delegates met with representatives from a wide range of WTO members to discuss the need for an open and rules-based trade system, WTO reform and the extension of the e-commerce moratorium, among other key topics. By reinforcing multilateral trade, we can drive economic growth, create jobs and enhance resilience in the face of global challenges. 

Streamlining EU tax rules with the Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive

12 Sep 2024
All Committees
Tax

The Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD) evaluation is an opportunity for the European Commission to address overlap between different anti-avoidance regimes. This is especially vital in a period where taxpayers and authorities prepare for potential developments in the international tax system. Decluttering duplicative tax rules would decrease costs for companies and free up resources for tax authorities, making the EU a more competitive economy. Learn why the European Commission should align requirements to promote a predictable tax landscape. 

The Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture: balancing competition and sustainability

10 Sep 2024
All Committees
Agriculture & Food

The successful outcome of the European Commission's Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture marks an important step towards addressing critical challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Europe. By bringing together stakeholders from farmers to industries and institutions, the dialogue has laid the groundwork for next steps in the agricultural field at a crucial time.

New mandate, reenergised momentum

10 Sep 2024
All Committees

If flights back from sunny destinations or the need to catch up on emails weren’t enough to convince you, the drop in temperature in Brussels makes it clear: summer is over. As we quickly shift into the busy autumn period with a new European Parliament beginning its mandate, now is the time for the EU to secure a bright and prosperous future for its citizens. By prioritising a sustainable and digital Single Market, a strong global role and an equitable and democratic Europe, the EU can reset its agenda and strengthen its competitiveness in the global economy. Learn how Europe can regain its attractiveness in our Agenda for Action and Competitiveness Scorecard.

Deferring Romania’s Public Country-by-Country reporting deadlines to align with EU Standards

5 Sep 2024
All Committees

The deadline for Romania's early implementation of the Public Country-by-Country Reporting (pCbCR) Directive is fast approaching. With the European Commission's template and electronic reporting formats expected in the third quarter of this year, businesses face significant challenges in setting up compliance systems and obtaining audits before the 31 December 2024 deadline. This rush could lead to inconsistent reports and increased administrative burdens. Learn why Romania should defer their implementation to align with other Member States and ensure consistency while reducing strain on businesses.

Welcome to our new members

5 Sep 2024
All Committees

We are delighted to announce our membership has grown as Hanover Communications, MSCI and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP 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

5 Sep 2024
All Committees

AmCham EU is pleased to announce recent election results and welcome these new and re-elected leaders. We wish successful terms to Razvan Antemir (Amazon), Brian Fox (JP Morgan), Ilan Jacobs (Citi), Michael Koplovsky (Amazon), Pablo Muñiz (Van Bael & Bellis), Aurelia Takacs (Cisco) and Walter Van der Meiren (UPS). The Secretariat would also like to thank those who are stepping down for the extraordinary work they completed during their terms: David Henry Doyle (S&P Global), Aliki Foinikopoulou (Salesforce), Emanuele Frezza (UPS). More details about the leadership changes mentioned above can be found here.    

Mexico’s proposed constitutional reform: a risk to legal predictability and to a trusted EU-Mexico relationship

5 Sep 2024
All Committees
Trade & External Affairs

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s recent proposed constitutional reform would establish direct elections for Supreme Court justices, circuit magistrates and district judges, replacing the merit-based appointment system, while also eliminating independent regulatory bodies in the energy field, and other decentralized entities.While the Mexican government’s intent to strengthen the judiciary and tackle corruption in the justice system is understandable, the current approach poses serious risks to the investment climate and the broader economic integration of Mexico with its key trading partners, including the EU. Given the importance and the urgency of this issue, the European Commission should raise these concerns with its Mexican counterparts.

Empowering Europe's energy transition with hydrogen

4 Sep 2024
All Committees
Environment

Hydrogen is set to play a vital role in achieving the EU’s ambitious decarbonisation targets, solidifying its place as a global leader on the energy transition. To support the growth of a robust hydrogen economy, the EU should simplify the deployment of hydrogen technologies, support a balanced approach to incentives and promote hydrogen through efficient market mechanisms. By prioritising these strategies and leveraging the European Hydrogen Bank, the EU can unlock the potential power of a low-carbon economy through hydrogen. Read how Europe can ensure it meets climate targets while becoming a leader in sustainable energy solutions.

Leading the climate transition through carbon capture and storage

4 Sep 2024
All Committees
Environment

Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies are essential for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement and chemicals. By supporting CO₂ transport infrastructure, boosting carbon capture capacity and fostering carbon utilisation, the EU is paving the way for a low-carbon economy while unlocking economic opportunities. By simplifying funding opportunities, improving cross-border storage and aligning CO₂ accounting standards, the EU can enhance the business case for CCUS investments. Strengthening transatlantic cooperation will also speed up its deployment, helping Europe lead the climate transition. Discover how coordinated policy efforts can drive the EU’s journey to net-zero emissions.

Building bridges with MEPs in Strasbourg

23 Jul 2024
All Committees

From Tuesday, 16 to Thursday, 18 July, AmCham EU visited the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France for the first plenary of the new mandate. While there, AmCham EU met with newly elected and re-elected MEPs to both introduce the organisation and build deeper relationships with policymakers. The delegation offered the opportunity to discuss the coming legislative term, as well as share our priorities for the next five years and Competitiveness Scorecard.

Taking note of tax policy in Budapest

22 Jul 2024
All Committees
Tax

On Wednesday, 18 July, AmCham EU visited Budapest, Hungary to discuss our priorities for ongoing and upcoming tax files. During several meetings, delegates and officials discussed ways that tax policy can contribute to the top priority of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union: Europe’s competitiveness. The delegates gained insights into how the Hungarian government works on domestic issues and EU policy. Learn how Hungary can maximise their presidency in our recommendations.

Strengthening Europe’s defence technological and industrial base

18 Jul 2024
All Committees

The European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) is a welcome addition to strengthen the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) and Europe’s security. However, to succeed, the EU will need to increase its collaboration with like-minded third-country partners, facilitate the participation of valuable contributors owned by third-country entities from allied countries, ensure sufficient flexibility, integrate advanced technologies as well as support the completion of the Single Market for financial services. Only in this way can the EU overcome current geopolitical threats whilst increasing the competitiveness and readiness of its EDTIB. You can read our recommendations to increase the effectiveness of EDIS and EDIP here.

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