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Highlighting the Future of EU Transport at Green Mobility Magazine

21 Feb 2025
All committees
Transport, Energy & Climate

Speaking at Green Mobility Magazine’s soirée, Anastasia Lajri, Senior Policy Adviser, AmCham EU, gave her perspective on Europe’s transport and trade landscape. Taking place on Thursday, 20 February, Ms Lajri drew attention to the need for diversified transport routes, investment in critical infrastructure and stronger transatlantic cooperation on critical raw materials. She also covered concerns around regulatory fragmentation and retaliatory trade measures, with calls for harmonised standards. As geopolitical tensions continue, proactive policies that drive innovation and growth are essential to ensuring long-term stability. 

Discussing global trade with Angela Ellard

21 Feb 2025
All committees
Trade & External Affairs

On Thursday, 20 February, AmCham EU welcomed Angela Ellard, Deputy Director-General, World Trade Organization, for a discussion on the importance of the WTO for the business community. The meeting covered developments in WTO reform and the broader European business environment. As companies navigate global trade challenges, a strong, rules-based trading system remains essential for fostering innovation and stability. We look forward to continued collaboration with the WTO to advance policies that promote open markets, economic growth and a predictable business environment. 

Welcome to our new members

18 Feb 2025
All committees

We are delighted to announce our membership has grown as Magna International, UnitedHealth Group and Vantage Data Centers 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.  

Keeping Europe competitive: delivering on the promise of regulatory simplification

18 Feb 2025
All committees

On Tuesday, 18 February, Nicolò Brignoli, Member of Cabinet of Commissioner Dombrovskis, joined AmCham EU for a discussion on how regulatory simplification can boost Europe’s competitiveness. With growing economic challenges, reducing administrative burdens while maintaining sustainability is key. Moderated by Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU, the discussions covered the need for targeted reforms to enhance Europe’s regulatory environment and ensure it remains an attractive place for business. The upcoming Omnibus package presents a critical opportunity to streamline reporting requirements, encouraging investment and growth. Find out how it can deliver on its promise. 

Leadership update

18 Feb 2025
All committees

AmCham EU is pleased to announce recent election results and welcome these new and re-elected leaders. We wish successful terms to Angelique de Brousse (Johnson & Johnson), Alexander Majer (Dow), Jeremy Rollison (Microsoft) and Katerina Valkova (Bristol Myers Squibb). The Secretariat would also like to thank the members who are stepping down for the extraordinary work they completed during their term: Jean Marc Leclerc (IBM), Natasa Sbrizaj (3M), Elsa Sependa (AT&T) and Fanny van der Loo (Edwards Lifesciences). More details about the leadership changes mentioned above can be found here.  

Engaging with Denmark ahead of its Council Presidency

18 Feb 2025
All committees

Ahead of Denmark’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, AmCham EU met with Ambassador Søren Jacobsen, Danish Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU, to discuss key priorities for Europe's future. Taking place on Tuesday, 18 February, the conversation focused on enhancing security, driving competitiveness and trade. The meeting underscored the importance of public-private collaboration, addressing the skills gap and aligning with trusted partners to navigate shared challenges. 

Strengthening transatlantic cooperation in Munich

14 Feb 2025
All committees

In the run-up to the Munich Security Conference 2025, AmCham EU joined Freshfields to host an event focused on the impact of geopolitical conflicts on global investments, the implications of rising protectionism and the role of businesses in ensuring economic and national security. Opening the event, which took place on Thursday, 13 February, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU stressed the important role that the transatlantic relationship offers to both the competitiveness and security of the EU and US. 

Tailoring solutions for sustainable growth

13 Feb 2025
All committees
Environment

A one-size-fits-all approach to ecodesign won't work. Recycling textiles is not the same as electronics, and repairability varies across products. As the European Commission finalises the first Ecodesign Working Plan, we are joining the call for a product group-specific approach to ensure rules align with each sector’s needs. Horizontal measures on durability, recyclability and recycled content risk creating vague requirements, legal uncertainty and regulatory overlap. The adoption of sector-specific rules can ensure a simpler process that aligns with impact assessments and prioritises competitiveness and sustainable growth. Learn more in the joint association letter. 

Implementing simplified verification for reporting unsold goods

13 Feb 2025
All committees
Environment

Businesses in the EU need a simplified, cost-effective verification process for reporting unsold consumer products. Leveraging existing mechanisms under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), such as risk-based verification by national authorities and market surveillance provisions, would reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens. This approach supports President von der Leyen’s commitment to cutting administrative red tape. Additional third-party verification is unnecessary, as it would increase costs, delay reporting and limit the ability to update information in real time, diverting resources from essential investments and innovation. Find out more about what industry needs in the joint association letter.  

‘Braking’ carbon dependency in Italy

12 Feb 2025
All committees

As Europe accelerates its green transition, Wabtec Corporation is leading by example at its Piossasco plant near Turin, Italy. The facility, which specialises in braking systems and air-handling components, has significantly reduced its carbon footprint. In 2024, solar energy met 64% of its energy needs, up from 29% in 2023. The site also enhances biodiversity by planting 500 trees, maintaining beehives for air quality monitoring and collecting rainwater for irrigation. These initiatives earned the Piossasco team recognition at Wabtec’s 2024 Sustainability Awards, underscoring its leadership in sustainable innovation. Learn more on Invested in Europe. 

Compulsory licensing of patents

12 Feb 2025
All committees

The EU’s proposed Compulsory Licensing Regulation risks mandating the disclosure of sensitive information, potentially harming innovators and undermining global efforts to counter forced tech transfers. Companies also need independent judicial oversight and narrowly tailored licensing that would safeguard IP rights and investor confidence. Learn why policymakers must address these issues to ensure a balanced IP framework.

Green Claims Landing Zones

12 Feb 2025
All committees
Agriculture & Food
Environment

The Green Claims Directive must create a framework that promotes transparency without piling on unnecessary burdens for businesses. This includes recognising international labels, allowing carbon offsetting claims to support net-zero goals and avoiding sweeping bans on products that safely manage hazardous substances. Streamlining verification processes and providing clear legal guidelines will also help reduce red tape. By addressing these issues, the Directive can drive real sustainability while keeping businesses competitive.

American business in Europe remains opposed to US steel and aluminium tariffs

11 Feb 2025
All committees

Earlier this week, President Trump announced his decision to impose 25% tariffs on all US steel and aluminium imports, which will target the EU directly. This is a decision that the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) opposed in 2018 and opposes again today. US tariffs on EU imports of steel and aluminium will have a wide-reaching and overwhelmingly negative impact on jobs, prosperity and security on both sides of the Atlantic. The damage will extend beyond just the steel and aluminium sectors, impacting all businesses that rely on these materials throughout the supply chain. 

The Omnibus package: a critical opportunity for Europe’s future

10 Feb 2025
All committees

Europe’s heavy regulatory burden remains a key concern for transatlantic business, with 84% of our members citing it as a major barrier. The first Omnibus package presents a critical opportunity to deliver a meaningful approach to simplification, setting the blueprint for future efforts. Without immediate, bold action, the EU risks losing business confidence and investment, jeopardising its linked economic and sustainability goals. By simplifying sustainability and due diligence regulations, the Omnibus package can reduce business’ regulatory burden and enhance Europe’s attractiveness for investment. Simplification should not mean deregulation. Rather, simplification should ensure the EU's sustainability and due diligence goals are met in a manner that is predictable and practical for companies. The path forward for reducing regulatory burdens and strengthening Europe's competitiveness is clear: now is the time for action. 

Clarifying EU export control guidelines for cloud computing services

10 Feb 2025
All committees
Digital Economy

On Monday, 10 February, AmCham EU hosted a roundtable spotlighting the complexities surrounding EU export control guidelines for cloud computing services. Participants discussed key issues including the definition of an ‘export’ in the context of cloud-based dual-use technologies and the role of cloud users in compliance. The unclear application of the ‘Dual-Use Regulation’ on cloud computing services risks creating divergent interpretations across Member States, threatening the EU’s harmonisation goals and limiting access to critical. The exchange highlighted the need for clear, consistent guidelines to ensure the EU remains competitive while safeguarding security and promoting innovation. 

A digital future for all

5 Feb 2025
All committees

With a global shortage of nearly 4 million cybersecurity professionals, the EU aims to upskill 20 million information and communication technology  specialists by 2030. In response, Cisco has committed to training 250,000 people in cybersecurity skills by 2026 through its Networking Academy. By 2024, it had already trained 224,000 individuals, strengthening Europe’s digital resilience. Cisco also champions diversity, offering scholarships for women in Spain, supporting the European CyberCup and training 9,000 Ukrainian refugees in Poland. Committed to long-term impact, Cisco will continue working with partners across Europe to bridge the skills gap and foster an inclusive digital future. Learn more on Invested in Europe. 

Meeting with Commissioner Dombrovskis on regulatory simplification

4 Feb 2025
All committees

On Monday, 3 February, AmCham EU met with Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification. The focus of the meeting was to underscore the urgency of regulatory simplification through the Omnibus simplification package. With 84% of our membership citing regulatory burdens as their top challenge for doing business in Europe, the need for action is clear. The Omnibus represents a crucial opportunity to reduce the regulatory burden, restore business confidence in the EU and establish a clear roadmap for future policy. 

Connecting with the newly arrived APAs

4 Feb 2025
All committees

To mark the arrival of the newly arrived Accredited Parliamentary Assistants (APAs) in Brussels, AmCham EU hosted a reception on Monday, 3 February. The event provided a platform for our members to engage with the APAs, exchange insights and foster connections. As Parliamentary staff, APAs play an invaluable role in laying the groundwork for Europe’s future. Their work shapes much of what we discuss in Brussels. Sarah Lenczner (Qualcomm), Vice-Chair of AmCham EU’s European Parliament Outreach Task Force and Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU, opened the evening by welcoming attendees and highlighting the role of public-private partnerships in shaping effective policymaking. Thank you to Mondelēz International, MSD and Qualcomm for sponsoring the event. 

Enhancing clarity on export controls in cloud computing

4 Feb 2025
All committees
Digital Economy

The unclear application of the ‘Dual-Use Regulation’ on cloud computing services risks creating different interpretations and significant divergences across Member States. This threatens the EU’s harmonisation goals while limiting access to benefits such as improved security, cost savings and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning – technologies that can play a key role in monitoring compliance and detecting potential export control violations. By developing detailed guidance in line with the these recommendations, the Commission can clarify how export controls apply to the context of cloud computing.

US business in Europe cautions against potential EU-US trade tit-for-tat

3 Feb 2025
All committees

The US administration is moving forward with the implementation of 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and 10% on China. This decision has sparked concerns from the business community around the world. The US Chamber of Commerce has highlighted why these ‘unprecedented’ tariffs are not the answer to the problems the administration seeks to address as well as the associated economic risks (full statement).   

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