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Ukraine’s progress in strengthening the rule of law and building a credible anti-corruption framework in recent years is enhancing its attractiveness as a destination for business and investment. Over the past decade, the establishment of specialised institutions, including NABU, SAPO, the High Anti-Corruption Court and the Prozorro public procurement platform, has improved transparency and enforcement. However, significant challenges remain, including the need to further strengthen judicial independence, ensure the consistent application of reforms and reinforce institutional resilience against political and wartime pressures. While governance risks persist, Ukraine has demonstrated a commitment to reform, supported by EU accession conditionality and international partnerships. Continued progress in these areas will be critical to providing investors with greater legal certainty and confidence in the country’s long-term trajectory.

Experience from the Baltic states illustrates how EU accession can act as a catalyst for institutional transformation, economic growth and increased foreign investment. Ukraine’s reform trajectory reflects many of the same characteristics, suggesting significant long-term potential if current reforms are maintained and deepened. For businesses, successful engagement in Ukraine requires both confidence in the country’s evolving institutional framework and robust internal compliance measures. Continued progress on judicial independence, anti-corruption enforcement and regulatory transparency will be essential to strengthening investor confidence, supporting reconstruction efforts and advancing Ukraine’s integration into the European Union.

From Tuesday, 16 to Wednesday, 17 June, AmCham EU travelled to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France for a series of meetings on EU trade and external affairs policy developments. The delegation engaged with Members of the European Parliament and political group advisers to share business perspectives on the future of the EU-US relationship. Discussions focused on the need to reset transatlantic trade and investment ties, strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and preserve open, rules-based markets. Members also highlighted the importance of avoiding tariffs, reducing regulatory complexity, deepening cooperation on economic security, critical supply chains and digital policy as well as ensuring that resilience measures remain proportionate, predictable and open to trusted partners.

How can Europe strengthen its digital resilience while remaining open to the partnerships that drive AI innovation? On Wednesday, 17 June, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU, addressed this at a conference organised by the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU in Nicosia, Cyprus. Discussions focused on how Europe can build a more resilient digital ecosystem while remaining an attractive destination for investment and innovation. Mr Lohan underlined that secure supply chains and trusted partnerships are essential to Europe’s AI competitiveness. He also highlighted the role of US businesses as committed partners in helping Europe build and compete globally, while stressing the need for balanced policies that strengthen resilience and give companies the confidence to invest in Europe.

With the EU having formally adopted the tariff reductions agreed under the EU-US Framework Agreement, the two sides now have an opportunity to enter a new phase.

The agreement has the potential to help restore stability and predictability for citizens and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic and provide the basis for continued collaborationbetween the EU and US. The goal should be to bring their shared $9.8 trillion commercial relationship to a more constructive place, focusing on cooperation where interests align.

Today, the European Parliament took a positive step to bring a degree of predictability to the transatlantic trade and investment climate. With their decision to approve tariff reductions on certain imports from the US, MEPs have demonstrated the EU’s commitment to honouring its side of the EU-US Framework Agreement. 

Given the importance of the $9.8 trillion transatlantic marketplace for jobs and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic, the EU and the US must now continue down this track, pursuing cooperation based on the Framework Agreement. While AmCham EU opposes tariffs, the EU‑US Framework Agreement provides the most realistic path to de‑escalation in trade tensions and a more constructive relationship. 

With the initial tariff reductions adopted, the EU and the US can move to advance other priorities identified in the August 2025 EU-US Joint Statement. In particular, the two sides should focus on joint action in four areas: tackling shared geopolitical challenges, bolstering supply chain security, strengthening transatlantic digital commerce and striking mutual recognition agreements (AmCham EU has set out these recommendations here). Cooperation in these four areas will bring benefits to American and European businesses alike.    

From Saturday, 13 to Sunday, 14 June, AmCham EU staff, members, alumni and their families took part in the 24 hour Relay for Life at the Stade du Pachy in Waterloo, Belgium. Together, they walked, campaigned and raised funds to support the fight against cancer.  For all involved, staying on the track for a full day was a small but meaningful way to honour the perseverance of those living with cancer and to show support for their loved ones.  Couldn't join us? You can still make a contribution here.