News

AmChams in Europe: Solidarity, coordination and action

Solidarity, coordination and action: what we need to fight COVID-19 and protect the economy

The world is facing an extraordinary challenge from the outbreak of COVID-19. The pandemic poses a severe threat to the health and wellbeing of citizens and the global economy with harmful consequences for all parts of society. AmChams in Europe, the umbrella organization for 45 AmChams from 43 countries across Europe and Eurasia, fully support governments’ efforts to tackle the pandemic and mitigate its effects. The mobilization of resources has been unprecedented, and we need continued leadership to address the impact of the crisis on society.

AmCham Turkey Webinar

On Friday, 3 April, Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU and Joris Pollet, Chair of Operations Group AmCham EU and Managing Director Government Relations Europe, Procter & Gamble joined a webinar organised by AmCham Turkey/American Business Forum in Turkey (ABFT) on Europe's Approach to COVID-19: Business Continuity & Social Impacts. In a discussion moderated by Tankut Turnaoğlu, AmCham Turkey/ABFT Chair (Procter & Gamble), Susan highlighted the EU-wide response to fight against the outbreak and the steps taken by the AmChams in Europe network and AmCham EU in supporting their members. Joris Pollet focused on the actions taken by the private sector as well as best practices from the governments in Member States.

New COVID-19 portal

AmCham EU has developed a new public portal to share information and resources on the COVID-19 pandemic. It brings together updates from the EU institutions and Member States, as well as insights into the business response to the crisis. The portal also features initiatives from member companies to support local communities in Europe and globally through these unprecedented times. The information is being updated daily.

Visit the new portal.

AmCham EU calls for additional border management measures during the COVID-19 health crisis

Brussels – On Wednesday, 25 March 2020, the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) sent a letter to Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni, Stephen Quest, Director General of DG TAXUD and Philip Kermode, Director, Customs (TAXUD.A), DG TAXUD, calling for a coordinated response with the Member States to the COVID-19 crisis on customs border management and flow of commercial goods.

New study: COVID-19 set to test the resilience of the transatlantic economy

A new study on the transatlantic economy stresses the impact the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will have on both the European and US economies. The current crisis adds to existing economic and political instability, which, in turn, challenges the world’s largest marketplace. Despite mounting uncertainty, the 2020 report emphasises that the fundamentals of the transatlantic relationship remain strong, and will likely play a role in the economic recovery to come. 

Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU, said: ‘We need the US and the EU to work together, with the entire global community, to ensure a coordinated approach to the health emergency caused by COVID-19 and its ripple effects on the economy. Bold action from governments is critical to protect citizens’ health and shield our economies from the impact of a global recession.’ She went on to say: ‘Today’s crisis demonstrates the continued importance of transatlantic cooperation.’

To download the study, please click here.

Join AmCham EU online

Due to the evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak AmCham EU staff is working from home. AmCham EU is upgrading its digital services to ensure members can continue to join our activities remotely. Our members have our full commitment and we are operating business online where committee and task force meetings will continue taking place. Should you wish to contact any member of the staff, you can find our contact details in the AmCham EU staff page. Otherwise, please do send an email to info@amchameu.eu  or call the temporary general line (+32 2 289 10 17). 

Transatlantic Week postponed

The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) is postponing its Transatlantic Week 2020 (Wednesday 25 March to Friday 27 March). The series of events, which includes the Transatlantic Reception, the Transatlantic Conference and the Brussels Briefing for European AmChams, will be rescheduled to the autumn.

In light of the COVID-19 global outbreak, the AmCham EU Board of Directors has decided to postpone the events as a precaution to ensure the health and safety of our guests, speakers, members and staff. In addition, current guidelines restricting international travel for government officials and corporates are limiting the ability of many guests to attend.

The Transatlantic Week has always been about bringing people together from both sides of the Atlantic to discuss the future of the transatlantic relationship. We feel that in the current circumstances we are not able to meet this goal.

AmCham EU celebrates International Women's Day 2020

On Sunday, 8 March 2020, AmCham EU celebrated International Women's Day through a campaign which highlights the progress of women in the workplace as well as looking at how we can help realise equality. The campaign includes a video which features four different and interesting perspectives from Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU; Elizabeth Krahulecz, Chair of AmCham EU's Diversity & Inclusion Task Force and Associate Partner, EY; Thibaut L'Ortye, Associate Director of Public Affairs, AmCham EU and Christina Taylor, Market Engagement Intern, AmCham EU. AmCham EU's campaign forms part of a wider social media movement under the hashtag #EachforEqual. Check out the video here.  

Online launch of AmCham EU's Circular Economy Brochure

On Wednesday, 11 March 2020, we will be launching our new brochure, ‘The Circular Economy: 15 innovative industry solutions that drive a sustainable future’ which features a series of solutions, as well as recommendations for EU policymakers as they take steps towards building and implementing the new Circular Economy strategy. The online launch will be followed by an event, details will follow shortly. The brochure is being launched on the same day as the European Commission's new Circular Economy Action Plan which will seek to strengthen EU industry, help fight climate change and preserve the EU’s natural environment.