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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.

Calling for a more open trade policy

15 Jul 2024
All Committees
Trade & External Affairs

On Monday, 15 July, a coalition of 31 leading European business associations came together to call for an ambitious and open trade policy to support the EU’s competitiveness and economic prosperity. In a Joint Declaration, they highlight the importance of trade openness in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing resilience in the face of global challenges. Trade remains a cornerstone of the EU’s economic strength, directly supporting one in five EU jobs through exports. It significantly benefits consumers by expanding choices—a sentiment shared by 60% of Europeans—and attracts foreign investments that drive growth and innovation. Furthermore, diversified sourcing and export strategies strengthen the EU’s ability to navigate and overcome crises.

Supplying new talent to meet renewable energy demand

11 Jul 2024
All Committees

In 2021, 22% of the EU’s energy came from renewable sources. But as the number of renewable energy projects increases, so too does the gap between the workforce the sector needs and the qualified personnel ready to fill these specialised positions. To help meet this demand, AES Bulgaria partnered with Varna Technical University to train the next generation of experts by managing internship and scholarship programmes, delivering lectures and presentations, participating in university activities and facilitating site visits. Through this work, AES is raising awareness about careers in the wind energy industry and building mentoring relationships that can help students break into the business. Learn more on Invested in Europe.  

Building inclusive supply chains

10 Jul 2024
All Committees
Responsible Business Conduct

With a growing focus on the social and environmental impacts of supply chains, the EU is looking to set high standards on due diligence. But how can these policies factor in all actors along the supply chain and how do we avoid a fragmented approach to the legislative landscape? On Tuesday, 9 July we covered this and more during a panel discussion after which Olof Skoog, EU Special Representative for Human Rights, European External Action Service shared his views on the links between business and human rights, explaining the role the EU should play on such topics.

75 years of NATO: strengthening transatlantic defence

9 Jul 2024
All Committees
Security, Defence & Space

With the 2024 Washington NATO Summit celebrating 75 years of transatlantic partnership, NATO allies need to come together and address the pressing geopolitical challenges of our time. With escalating Russian aggression against Ukraine and the threat of enhanced Russian military capabilities, the summit provides a critical forum for leaders from all 32 NATO allies and their international partners to strengthen their collective defence plans and increase burden sharing. Find out how, together with the private sector, NATO can ensure that the alliance is fit for the future and can maintain its role as a cornerstone of transatlantic security and defence cooperation.

Two birds with one factory

4 Jul 2024
All Committees

With its new chlorine production facility in Tarragona, Spain, Covestro is using innovation to bring Europe a two-for-one deal: helping the EU achieve its sustainability goals and strengthening Europe's production network. The production plant is the first in the world to be based on the energy-efficient oxygen depolarised cathode technology, resulting in energy savings of up to 25%. Along with environmental benefits, the plant brings industrial advantages to the community by creating 50 new local jobs. The chlorine and caustic soda produced on site are key raw material for energy-efficient insulation solutions for buildings and refrigerating devices. Learn more on Invested in Europe. 

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