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The passing of Roderick ‘Rory’ Macmillan

4 Jun 2020
All Committees
It is with the utmost sadness that we announce the sudden death of Roderick ‘Rory’ Macmillan. Rory was a valued member of AmCham EU for more than 20 years. He was also well known and highly respected in wider Brussels EU circles. Importantly, he was a dear friend and colleague to many of us and he will be sorely missed. Many of our lives have been enriched by his friendship and supported by his professional dedication.  
 
A private service will take place in line with current UK government COVID restrictions. A fitting memorial service to celebrate Rory’s life will take place at a future date to be finalised. Those who would have liked to attend, but due to the current restrictions cannot, are invited to make a donation. Instead of flowers, you are kindly invited to make a donation to one of Rory’s favourite charities as listed here: World Child Cancer and the Belgium Alzheimer Association.

Joint Business Statement on the Proposal on Representative Actions (Collective Redress)

4 Jun 2020
All Committees
Consumer affairs
AmCham EU joined representatives of Europe’s business community to caution EU Member State governments and the European Parliament against rushing to conclude trilogue discussions on the representative actions proposal and urge them to take due time to consider the complex issues still unresolved.
 
Trilogue parties have not met - even at technical level - for several months. Yet there are reports that the Croatian Presidency intends to discuss a Commission compromise text with Member States in the hope of concluding discussions at Coreper in just one week, on 10 June. This piece of legislation is of utmost importance for the proper functioning of private enforcement mechanisms in and between Member States and we are extremely concerned by any efforts to rush the examination of this new framework.

 

AmCham Bulgaria’s Executive Club: Virtual Meeting with Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth

3 Jun 2020
All Committees
On Friday, 29 May 2020, Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, European Commission was the guest speaker at an online event organised by AmCham Bulgaria. Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU provided welcome remarks in her capacity as Chair of AmChams in Europe.

Commissioner Gabriel spoke about the importance of cross-country cooperation as well as the need for synergy and upskilling. She also outlined the required next steps that will allow Europe to successfully tackle the current COVID-19 crisis. We would like to thank Petar T. Ivanov, CEO, AmCham Bulgaria and Olivier Marquette, President, AmCham Bulgaria for hosting the event.

AmChams in Europe: US week virtual outreach

3 Jun 2020
All Committees
The AmChams in Europe network, which represents 45 AmChams in 43 countries in Europe and wider Europe, travels every year to Washington, DC to meet with high-level US stakeholders.
 
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the annual conference took place virtually this year from Monday, 11 May until Wednesday, 27 May. 
 
Executives from over 30 AmChams gathered together to meet with:
  • The National Economic Council
  • The US Chamber of Commerce
  • Fox Radio News
  • The US Department of State
  • The Atlantic Council
  • The US Department of Commerce
The topics of discussion focused on EU-US relations, US elections, US-UK trade as well as on COVID-19 and its influence on the transatlantic relationship. The importance of collaboration and coordination and the need for Chambers to act as bridgebuilders in these challenging times emerged in every discussion. 

Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU speaks on EU economic recovery

3 Jun 2020
All Committees
Last week, the European Commission presented an ambitious recovery plan for the EU economy but a tough balancing act remains in front of us. American companies in Europe support the Commission’s proposal. Read our full statement here.
 
To further show our support, we have also published sector-by-sector recommendations to ensure that Europe does not stall on its road to recovery.
Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU breaks down the key messages in the paper and outlines the need for a coordinated response, watch her video and read our recommendations for the details. 

Overcoming COVID-19: Laying the foundation for a more resilient EU

2 Jun 2020
All Committees
Last week, the European Commission presented an ambitious recovery plan, including a new instrument ‘Next Generation EU’ to boost the EU’s spending capacity. The Commission’s proposal aims to tackle the ripple effects of the COVID-19 crisis on the European economy and puts forward an unparalleled financial commitment, along with strong policy measures to strengthen the Single Market as well as to enable the green and digital transformations. It has the potential to be one of the engines that will restart Europe’s economy, creating new jobs and prosperity to benefit all citizens. However, there is still a tough balancing act in front of us, which requires management of the short-term economic impact of the health emergency, while laying the foundations for what is coming next. 
 
AmCham EU has published a statement on the proposal last week and will continue to support policymakers throughout the entire recovery phase, therefore we have put forward some short-term recommendations to ensure that Europe does not stall on its road to recovery.

US business supports the EU’s economic recovery plan

29 May 2020
All Committees
On Wednesday, 27 May, the European Commission presented an ambitious recovery plan, including a new instrument ‘Next Generation EU’ to boost the EU’s spending capacity. The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) fully supports the Commission’s proposal which aims to tackle the ripple effects of the COVID-19 crisis on the European economy. AmCham EU calls on Member States to endorse the Commission’s proposal.
 
In addition to an unparalleled financial commitment, the recovery plan outlines strong policy measures to strengthen the Single Market as well as to enable the green and digital transformations. It has the potential to be one of the engines that will restart Europe’s economy, creating new jobs and prosperity to benefit all citizens.

May Plenary: The European Union one year after the 2019 European Elections

28 May 2020
All Committees
Plenary Meeting
On Tuesday, 26 May 2020, AmCham EU hosted a virtual plenary meeting to discuss the state of play of the European Union one year after the European elections. The event featured a panel discussion with Katarina Barley, MEP (S&D, DE),Vice-President, European Parliament; Reinhard Bütikofer, MEP (Greens/EFA, DE), European Parliament; Antonio López-Istúriz, MEP (EPP, ES), Secretary-General, EPP Party and Jacob Moroza-Rasmussen, Secretary-General, ALDE Party.
 
The discussion addressed key issues relating to the COVID-19 impact on the newly elected European institutions, the Future of Europe and the EU-US relationship. On this occasion, AmCham EU also welcomed a new member, Fiserv. as part of its Plenary meeting.
 
For questions, please contact Roberta Brumana, Senior External Relations Adviser (RBR@amchameu.eu).

Queen Elisabeth Competition in the spotlight

27 May 2020
All Committees
In recognition of the importance of the arts and young people in the arts, AmCham EU is a long-time supporter of the Queen Elisabeth Competition. The competition is for musicians who have completed their training and who rank as being of the highest calibre.
 
While, this year, the event has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Queen Elisabeth Competition will still be under the spotlight from Monday, 25 to Saturday, 30 May thanks to the support of Radio-Télévision Belge de la Communauté Française (RTBF) and Vlaamse Radio- en Televisieomroeporganisatie (VRT). You can listen to numerous radio broadcasts, retransmissions of previous competitions and even an exceptional evening of live performances at the Brussels Centre for Fine Arts (BOZAR). Find out all the details in French or Dutch on the Queen Elisabeth Competition website. 

Reflections on Europe's circular economy

24 May 2020
All Committees
Environment
On Wednesday 20 May, AmCham EU hosted an event on 'Reflections on Europe’s circular economy and what comes next', where we welcomed Marius Vašcega, Head of Cabinet to Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius, European Commission as a guest speaker. The event was an opportunity to discuss the European Commission’s objectives with regard to the Circular Economy Action Plan released on Wednesday, 11 March and how this fits in with the European Green Deal and the EU’s economic recovery plan in the context of COVID-19. 

The AmChams in Europe network met with the US Department of Commerce

24 May 2020
All Committees

On Tuesday, 19 May close to 40 representatives of AmChams from all over Europe and wider Europe met with the US Department of Commerce. The meeting provided perspectives from different departments covering EU issues. We also heard from Matthew Edwards, Director of the office of Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia. 

The topics of discussion covered the transatlantic relationship, the Three Seas initiative and China.

This week the AmChams in Europe network will be meeting with Ian Steff, Assistant Secretary to continue the dialogue with the US Department of Commerce.

Convergence and cooperation needed to fight the economic consequences of COVID-19

24 May 2020
All Committees

For the last Town Hall for members, AmCham EU connected with François Roux, Head of Cabinet to Charles Michel, President of the European Council. 

Mr Roux shared his insights on the COVID-19 emergency and on the work of the European institutions, particularly of the European Council. He also highlighted the fact that to fight the economic consequences of the COVID-19 emergency, convergence and cooperation are needed both in Europe and globally. He also addressed EU-US relations.

More transatlantic cooperation for a strong economic recovery

24 May 2020
All Committees

The Hon. Ronald Gidwitz shared his views on the need for more transatlantic cooperation in responding to the COVID-19 crisis and close coordination for the economic recovery in his first meeting with AmCham EU since being appointed Acting Representative of the United States to the European Union. The meeting took place over video conference on Tuesday, 19 May 2020 and it was an opportunity for Maxime Bureau, Chairman, AmCham EU and Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU to congratulate him on his new appointment on behalf of the membership and to introduce AmCham EU’s priorities as well as to hear his.

Farm to Fork strategy sets the path towards a more sustainable agro-food system in Europe

20 May 2020
All Committees
Agriculture & Food

On Wednesday, 20 May, the European Commission published its Farm to Fork strategy calling for a shift towards more sustainable food systems in Europe. The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) represents companies from across the agro-food supply chain and is encouraged by the Commission’s ambition to focus on creating a safe, climate-friendly and healthy food ecosystem.

AmCham EU believes that the pathway towards a more sustainable agro-food system in Europe should be centred around objectives that ensure sustainable production, consumption, better regulation, trade and international cooperation as well as the required investment in research and innovation.

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

18 May 2020
All Committees
Trade & External Affairs
Transatlantic

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 AmChams in Europe join annual best practices conference online

18 May 2020
All Committees

Last week, the AmChams in Europe Network held its annual best practices conference virtually in Washington, D.C. where about 30 CEOs of AmChams from all over Europe and wider Europe joined. The five day conference consisted of virtual calls with several US stakeholders from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Department of State, the Atlantic Council, the National Economic Council and Fox News Radio.

The discussions with the stakeholders and policy-makers focused on the Transatlantic relationship, EU-US trade, US-UK trade, Brexit, COVID-19 cooperation and China.

Brussels Briefing on sustainability

18 May 2020
All Committees
Environment
Transport, Energy & Climate

On Thursday, 14 May 2020 AmCham EU hosted the second session of its Brussels Briefing for colleagues from other American Chambers of Commerce. This session revolved around sustainability and aimed to provide the audience with an overview of the different angles surrounding the topic as well as the key elements of the European Green Deal.

The event was attended by staff of the AmChams as well as their most active members on the issue. 

U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO speaks to AmChams from around the world on the impact of COVID-19

18 May 2020
All Committees

On Thursday 14 May, 2020, Tom Donohue, CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce spoke to representatives from AmChams from around the world on a call focused on sharing information on the impact of COVID-19 on businesses. In his remarks, he highlighted the activities of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce aimed at supporting its member companies. Mr Donohue also emphasised the need for governments to work with businesses in order to reopen the economy through practical guidelines and best practices learnt from essential businesses that have remained opened during the crisis.

The European Parliament acts during COVID-19 times

14 May 2020
All Committees

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. 

Diversity & Inclusion at the workplace in the era of COVID-19

11 May 2020
All Committees
Future of Work, Education & Skills
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

On Thursday, 7 May 2020, AmCham EU hosted a webinar dedicated to the theme of 'Diversity & Inclusion at the workplace in the era of COVID-19'. The webinar featured leaders from AmCham EU's member companies as they shared insights from the perspective of different sectors.

Throughout this online event, speakers highlighted how their companies have worked to ensure the well-being of their workforce in the COVID-19 context. The discussion also revolved around the possible implication of this unprecedented time for the future of work. It emerged clearly that all companies are now prioritising a human-centric leadership model, focused on empathy and authenticity. You can view the full discussion here. 

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