News

Gala 2022: a recap

After three years away, the Brussels community finally had the chance to reconnect in person, and in style, at AmCham EU’s Gala 2022. With a special focus on ‘Invested in youth’, the evening brought together more than 250 guests to celebrate the contributions of the young generation. It showcased an inspiring cello performance from the two Queen Elisabeth Competition finalists and was capped off with the presentation of the Youth Entrepreneurship Award to a female entrepreneur.  

WTO ministerial: multilateralism remains critical but needs to deliver further results

The Twelfth Ministerial Conference (MC12) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) concluded on Friday, 17 June 2022. The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) applauds the WTO and its Member States for reaching outcomes against a challenging geopolitical backdrop. Consensus was found on several issues, including food security, pandemic response, fishing subsidies, the moratorium on import duties for e-commerce and, most importantly, the reform of the WTO.

2022 EU Job Fair: discussing careers in policy

On Monday, 13 June, Alex Buyruk, Policy Adviser, AmCham EU spoke on the ‘Careers in Policy’ panel at the 2022 EU Job Fair. The discussion focussed on the importance of variety in building a professional profile as well as the differences in working in the private and public sectors. The panel was joined by Dimitar Lilkov, Senior Research Officer, Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies; David Osimo, Director of Research, Lisbon Council; Ionela Maria Ciolan, Policy Analyst, Transatlantic Alumni Network; Laura Kaun, Policy and Campaigns Officer, European Women’s Lobby; and Andrea Carta, Legal Strategist, Greenpeace. 

MC12: the ingredients to make it a success

After being postponed last December due to rising COVID-19 rates, the twelfth Ministerial Conference of the WTO will take place in Geneva between 12-15 June. The Ministerial will take place under challenging and divisive circumstances, including the remaining effects of the COVID pandemic and the devastation caused by the war in Ukraine. These and other issues will make it difficult for the Ministerial to make progress towards an agreed common statement. Regardless, as US business in Europe, we emphasise the importance of the WTO as a pillar of the rules-based multilateral trading system and a stabiliser and unifier for international trade.

Simona Popa sits down with the Martens Centre at #EPPRotterdam

Taking a step away from the action of the EPP Congress in Rotterdam, Simona Popa (InterDigital), Vice-Chair, European Parliament Outreach Task Force, AmCham EU, sat down with Margherita Movarelli, Head of Communications and Marketing, Martens Centre, to discuss the future of the transatlantic relationship. The discussion was part of a series of sideline events hosted by the EPP's political foundation and think tank during the party Congress. Simona Popa explained that while the transatlantic relationship is strong, based on unified values and economic ties, more ambition is needed from leaders on both sides of the Atlantic to solve shared challenges. Watch the full interview for more.

Checking in from #EPPRotterdam

Last week a delegation from AmCham EU’s European Parliament Outreach Task Force attended the 27th EPP Party Congress in Rotterdam, Netherlands from Tuesday, 31 May to Wednesday, 1 June. The Congress was highlighted by the election of Manfred Weber as the next EPP President, who takes over the role from Donald Tusk. The delegation had the pleasure of speaking with many party members during the two days including Donald Tusk, former President of the EPP; Roberta Metsola, MEP (EPP, MT) and President of the European Parliament; Simona Busuttil, Secretary General, EPP Group and many more influential guests including other MEPs, Commissioners, Prime Ministers and Member State politicians.

Improving the Chips Act

With its emphasis on research, development and innovation, the European Commission’s Chips Act proposal could go a long way toward addressing the semiconductor supply chain disruption and preventing future shortages. However, to achieve its objectives, the Commission must provide clearer guidance on a range of issues. As the legislation moves forward, it must consider the needs of businesses in Europe that rely on chips, as well as cooperate and coordinate with the EU’s most important trade partner, the US, as it works toward the same goal. Read AmCham EU’s perspectives on how to improve the Chips Act and learn more about these microchips, the ‘brains’ inside electronics. 

AmCham EU elects new Member-at-Large of the Board

AmCham EU would like to congratulate Fiona Taylor (Verizon), who has been elected as the new Member-at-Large (corporate) of the Board of Directors for a two-year term. We welcome Fiona to her new role, and look forward to working with her. The election is following the upcoming end of the term of outgoing Board member Claudia Selli (AT&T). AmCham EU expresses our sincere thanks for her valuable contribution to the Board over the last three years. The official handover will take place at the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 28 June.

AmCham EU would also like to thank every candidate for standing and for the thought, energy and effort that went into the campaigns and presentations. We look forward to all candidates continuing to be engaged actively at AmCham EU.

Foreign subsidies regulation: key EU trade and investment partners raise concerns

AmCham EU, together with business groups representing key EU trade and investment partners, issued a joint statement expressing concern at significant elements of the proposed Regulation on foreign subsides and calling for amendments to the text. While the proposal rightfully seeks to address those non-EU subsidies which risk distorting the EU internal market, it could inadvertently impact international companies whose home jurisdiction shares Europe’s open market principles.