News

Uniting for diversity: Johnson Controls’ ‘perspectives’ initiative

In our latest video, Larry Leverett, Vice-President and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer and General Counsel, Global Services, Johnson Controls tells us about the company’s ‘perspectives’ sessions, where people from all levels and geographies of the organisation tell their stories from their perspective. This initiative enables others to learn and share in the different perspectives of their colleagues, which in turn helps to build the knowledge, empathy and connection that allows the workforce to work more collaboratively together. Check out all videos showcasing our companies’ contributions to diversity and inclusion at our dedicated webpage!

Transatlantic Conference 2021: in review

This year’s Transatlantic Week, set against the need to rebuild a world economy devastated by the impact of COVID-19 and to ensure future healthy, connected and sustainable societies, was themed ‘Global leadership: A transatlantic opportunity’. The activities of the week opened on Wednesday, 24 March for the first time entirely digitised with a keynote by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Transatlantic Conference 2021 Day 3: the transatlantic digital economy

The third day of AmCham EU’s all-digital Transatlantic Conference 2021 took place on Friday, 26 March. Opening remarks from Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU and Zeger Vercouteren, Chair, AmCham EU (J&J) emphasised the speed with which digital technologies are transforming our economies and societies, a trend which has been further accelerated by the COVID-19 health pandemic.

Transatlantic Conference 2021 Day 1: transatlantic trade

The 15th edition of AmCham EU’s Transatlantic Conference kicked off on Wednesday, 24 March. This 2021 edition, which is completely digitised, will take place in three instalments between Wednesday, 24 March and Friday, 26 March. The theme for the first day of the conference was the transatlantic trade agenda. Opening remarks from Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU and Zeger Vercouteren, Chair, AmCham EU (J&J) set the tone of optimism for intensified cooperation between the EU and the US, as the new US administration pivots back towards Europe.

Emerging areas for EU-US cooperation

The transatlantic economy remains the largest, most prosperous and most innovative of its kind in the world – and it continues to grow. The EU and the US should seize the renewed optimism and positive momentum to advance and deepen the world’s largest trade and investment relationship. While they can build on decades of efforts to enhance regulatory cooperation and remove barriers to trade and investment, they should also address new and emerging issues that arise from the transformation of our economies. In a new document, the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) presents ideas for EU-US cooperation across a wide range of sectors and industries. Read more here.

AmCham EU hosts first fully virtual Brussels Briefing

On Friday, 19 March, AmCham EU hosted the first fully virtual Brussels Briefing with over 40 representatives from 26 AmChams in attendance. The objective of the Brussels Briefing is to inform AmChams colleagues about the latest developments in EU policy; to exchange advocacy best practices; and to network. This year’s programme featured a keynote speech on the EU agenda by Eva Maydell MEP (EPP, BG) and a best practices panel on how to communicate about EU policy in the Member States featuring Pia Ahrenkilde-Hansen, Director-General, DG Communication, European Commission; Peter Barabas, Editor-in-Chief, News, Euronews; and Cristina Falcone, Vice-President, Public Affairs, Europe, UPS. The Brussels Briefing also featured a networking session with US Commercial Officers from around Europe as well as policy networking sessions on digital and Green Deal.

Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability: towards targeted improvements based on better regulation

On Tuesday, 9 March AmCham EU published its position paper on the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. The paper offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities that AmCham EU members wish to highlight within this important initiative. It highlights our support for the EU’s ambitions to strengthen the existing framework for EU chemicals policy to help achieve greater sustainability and competitiveness moving forward. It also welcomes some elements of the proposal which help clarify and streamline the system as it currently works. Read our position here.

AmCham EU voted best trade association in Brussels

AmCham EU has been voted Best EU Trade Association of the year by BestinBrussels. A jury of senior consultants was asked to name one EU Trade Association which exemplifies best-practice, best-in-class EU lobbying in Brussels, the most cited response was AmCham EU.

Over the last year, AmCham EU and its members navigated nimbly the immense uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This recognition reminds us that we need to be proud of what we have achieved together and shows that our reputation as a trusted policy partner remains strong.

Europe Today: Susan Danger shares perspectives at webinar

How do business interests align with the European political agenda? That was the overarching question of the day at the ‘Europe Today: What Associations Need to Know’ webinar discussion hosted by the American Society of Association Executives and sponsored by Visit Brussels on Tuesday, 9 March. Guest panellists included Nele Devolder, Association Director, Kellen; Marsha Turner, CEO, International Association of Lighting Directors; Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU.