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The European Commission’s proposal to revise the Cybersecurity Act (CSA2) comes at the right moment, as Europe faces an evolving range of cyber threats. With its measures to reinforce ENISA and make harmonisation the key to a more resilient Single Market, the proposal brings the Act closer to the realities of today’s fast-moving cybersecurity ecosystem. 

However, the Commission’s proposal still fails to go far enough on providing a platform for more active industry engagement. It rightly formalises existing structures but falls short of creating mechanisms that allow for regular expert-level exchanges and meaningful industry feedback into the CSA2 framework, building on lessons learned from the past years. Such exchanges are essential, given industry’s role as a front-line defender against cyber threats. 

Now, as the file moves to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, the co-legislators must ensure certification schemes under the CSA2 remain based on technical criteria. The EU’s cybersecurity needs should be a matter for sober, technical analysis. AmCham EU therefore supports the proposal's structural distinction between technical certification and non-technical supply chain risks. Maintaining this separation prevents restrictive requirements that limit choice, reduce competition and slow innovation. 

The same approach is necessary for the proposal’s provisions to secure critical infrastructure under the new ‘Trusted ICT Supply Chain Framework’ (Title IV). These measures must also be underpinned by an objective, evidence-based approach to ‘non-technical risks’. At the same time, measures involving restrictions on data transfers must be aligned with international agreements to avoid unintended disruptions to global operations. 

Ultimately, US companies share the EU’s commitment to securing the region’s digital resilience. AmCham EU members invest heavily in security and stand ready to support the delivery of a framework that keeps Europe open, secure and competitive. 

The European Parliament’s decision to refer the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement (FTA) to the Court of Justice adds a further delay to one of the EU’s most important and long-running trade initiatives.  

Commenting on the vote, Malte Lohan, CEO of AmCham EU, said: ‘Today’s vote by the European Parliament to refer the EU-Mercosur agreement to the Court of Justice is a self-inflicted setback for Europe’s economic interests and geopolitical relevance at a moment when the EU can least afford it. 

After 25 years of negotiations, this should have been Europe stepping forward as a global trade leader and champion of win-win partnerships. It was an opportunity to strengthen Europe’s global position, diversify supply chains and open new opportunities in a fast-growing market of 284 million people. 

Instead, this vote has chosen - yet again - delay. 

Europe’s credibility as a trade powerhouse is now on the line. The EU must move decisively to get this agreement back on track.’ 

The EU-Mercosur FTA will deepen economic ties, reduce barriers to trade and strengthen long-term engagement with a key region. How this process now unfolds will be critical not only for the agreement itself, but also for confidence in the EU’s broader trade agenda. 

Today marks a historic milestone with the signing of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, creating the biggest trading block in the world. European business – represented by more than 28 associations across a wide range of sectors – warmly welcomes this signature. It sends a strong and timely signal that the EU remains open and is committed to rules-based global trade. In a time of global uncertainty, this agreement is a key growth booster.

By opening access to over 270 million consumers via the elimination of trade barriers and the removal of tariffs on over 90% of EU exports, the agreement provides the thrust European companies need to export, invest, and grow, as well as to diversify their supply chains, sourcing essential products and raw materials from Mercosur. By 2040, according to DG Trade’s calculations, the agreement is expected to add 77.6 billion euros to the EU GDP, resulting in a 39% increase in EU exports to Mercosur.

With the agreement now signed, the ball is firmly in the court of the European Parliament in ensuring rapid ratification. We therefore call on Members of the European Parliament to give their consent and allow Europe’s engine of economic growth and prosperity to be switched on and move ahead decisively. After over 25 years of negotiations, we are finally in sight of the finish line. We cannot afford to wait any longer.