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New College of Commissioners awarded mandate to deliver on competitiveness

27 Nov 2024
All Committees

AmCham EU congratulates the new College of Commissioners on its election. The College now has the responsibility to strengthen the Single Market’s attractiveness as an investment destination – and there is no time to waste. The GDP and innovation gap between the EU and other leading economies is widening, and in 2023, foreign direct investment into Europe fell by 4%.

Taking action to strengthen Europe's economic future

26 Nov 2024
All Committees

Europe’s competitiveness must be on top of the agenda. That was the main message AmCham EU's Executive Council shared during their fall plenary on Tuesday, 19 November to Wednesday, 20 November 2024. The group of senior executives underlined why the widening GDP gap with other parts of the world, stagnating innovation and the regulatory burden business faces needs to be addressed. European operations are a vital part of the global footprint of American companies. Immediate action is required to make it easier for these business to continue doing business in the EU. Learn more about who the group met with while here and find out how we can build a more prosperous future for European citizens in our Agenda for Action. 

Advancing opportunities in digital trade

26 Nov 2024
All Committees

On Thursday, 21 November, AmCham EU, DIGITALEUROPE and the Swedish National Board of Trade held a roundtable discussion on the challenges and opportunities in digital trade. The discussion focused on progress in standardisation and critical technologies, highlighting the value of EU-US cooperation under the Trade and Technology Council (TTC). Participants emphasised the significance of ongoing e-commerce negotiations and the WTO moratorium, as well as aligning digital trade policies to tackle emerging priorities. Strengthening partnerships with like-minded allies through free trade agreements and digital partnerships is essential for fostering innovation and growth. Collaboration remains pivotal for shaping the future of global digital trade. 

Upskilling Europe: bridging the growing skills gap

26 Nov 2024
All Committees

Europe faces a growing mismatch between workers’ skills and companies’ needs, particularly in the digital economy. Only 27% of the EU population reported above-basic digital skills in 2021, according to Eurostat. Addressing this gap requires collaboration between governments, businesses and educational institutions. AmCham EU’s Attractiveness of Europe: Agenda for Action 2024-2029 highlights practical solutions, such as fostering industry-education partnerships, incentivising upskilling initiatives and prioritising science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) training. As detailed on AmCham EU's Invested in Europe website, American companies are leading by example, with initiatives like Apple’s Developer Academy in Italy, Oracle’s inclusive STEM programmes in Spain and AES’ technical training partnership in Bulgaria. Discover more in our latest blog post. 

Using collaboration to tackle global trade challenges

26 Nov 2024
All Committees

On Friday, 22 November Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU spoke at the European Commission’s high-level forum on global non-market overcapacity. Organised by Inspire, Debate, Engage and Accelerate Action, the internal advisory hub to European Commission President von der Leyen, Mr Lohan underscored the critical importance of addressing global trade challenges. With companies facing increasingly stringent regulatory requirements in Europe that their counterparts in non-market economies are not held to, he emphasised the need for a proactive competitiveness roadmap and an ambitious trade agenda. He also underscored the importance of a unified EU-US response. By working via platforms such as the Trade and Technology Council and the WTO, both Europe and the US can collaborate on shared challenges, including overcapacity.

Continuing the COP29 conversation

25 Nov 2024
All Committees
Environment
Transport, Energy & Climate

From Monday, 11 November to Friday, 21 November 2024, global leaders in government, business and civil society convened in Baku, Azerbaijan for the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29). The international forum’s critical discussions centred on climate finance, adaptation strategies, the acceleration of low-carbon energy technologies and more. For American companies invested in Europe, the conference is key to fostering a successful green transition around the world. 

1000 days later: support for Ukraine remains essential

19 Nov 2024
All Committees
Ukraine Task Force

1000 days on from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, AmChams in Europe remains steadfast in its support for the Ukrainian people. Since 24 February 2022, Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Motivated by this resolve, governments on both sides of the Atlantic have been determined and united in supporting Ukraine and its people. The strength of this response is a testament to the power of Transatlantic cooperation and public-private partnerships. 

Taking a bite out of food insecurity

19 Nov 2024
All Committees

LyondellBasell’s Advancing Good programme invested over €1 million across nine European countries in 2023 to address food insecurity, support health and promote youth education. More than funding, LyondellBasell’s local teams led volunteer initiatives tailored to community needs. Highlights include supporting food banks in the Netherlands, opening a low-cost grocery store in France and organising volunteer events on World Food Day. LyondellBasell colleagues spent over 7,500 hours helping 40,000 people across ten European countries throughout 2023. Learn more about the company's commitment to communities in Europe on Invested in Europe.  

Taking steps towards ratifying the EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement

18 Nov 2024
All Committees
Trade & External Affairs

In 2022, EU and Mercosur trade in goods and services reached €159 billion, with mutual investments nearing €380 billion. To further support these deep economic ties, both Europe and Mercosur must work together to finalise their Free Trade Agreement. With 77 business associations from across the Atlantic, we are emphasising the agreement’s potential to boost trade, foster investment and promote sustainable development. Learn why ratifying the agreement can promote supply chain stability, enhance cooperation and growth between the two regions.

41st Annual Competition Policy Conference: Balancing rules-based competition policy and economic security

18 Nov 2024
All Committees
Competition policy

This year’s Annual Competition Policy Conference ‘Competition policy and economic security’, took place on Thursday, 14 November. The conference focused on how to balance a rules-based approach to competition policy with a more geopolitically-driven model. Malte Lohan, CEO and Elsa Sependa (AT&T), Chair, Competition Policy Committee, AmCham EU kicked off the event by underling the need for effective and fair competition rules to ensure that Europe remains attractive and competitive on the global stage. During the event, we heard from Damien Gérard, Prosecutor General, Belgian Competition Authority who presented the Belgian Competition Authority’s approach of using competition policy to speed up the development of digital infrastructure. 

Discussing healthcare developments in Copenhagen

15 Nov 2024
All Committees

From Monday, 4 November to Wednesday, 6 November, AmCham EU visited Copenhagen, Denmark to engage with Danish officials and discuss the latest life science developments. The delegates met with representatives from a range of government institutions, including the Ministry of Business, the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of the Interior and Health. Top of mind throughout the visit was the potential revision of the Medical Devices Regulation, the Critical Medicines Act and the EU Pharmaceutical Legislation. With the EU being the world’s largest exporter of medicines in 2023, learn why reliable global life sciences supply chains are fundamental to resilient health systems.

Malte Lohan appointed as CEO of AmCham EU

12 Nov 2024
All Committees

AmCham EU announced the appointment of Malte Lohan as its new CEO, effective immediately. Mr Lohan holds strategic and operational responsibility for the association and leads its external representation.  

Taking home gold and silver at the Association Excellence Awards

12 Nov 2024
All Committees

On Friday, 8 November, we took home both a gold and silver medal at the Association Excellence Awards 2024. Winning a gold medal for the category of Best Association Team, we were rewarded thanks to our diverse and creative team, as well as our work in giving back to the local community. For our silver medal in the Association Leadership Award (up to 2000 members), the judges recognised Susan Danger’s dedication and impact during her time as CEO. Thanks to the organisers for encouraging the work that associations do and congratulations to all who were involved!

AmCham EU congratulates President-elect Trump

6 Nov 2024
All Committees

AmCham EU congratulates President-elect Donald Trump and Vice-President-elect JD Vance on the results of the 2024 US presidential election. American companies in Europe are committed to continue strengthening transatlantic cooperation with the new US Administration and to play a bridge-building role across the Atlantic. 

Building EU due diligence rules that work for all

5 Nov 2024
All Committees

The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) introduces obligations for companies with global value chains with an aim to enhance sustainable practices. However, the directive’s complexity raises significant challenges including inconsistent regulatory requirements, administrative burdens and disadvantages for small and medium-sized enterprises. To avoid these issues, the European Commission must prioritise a competitiveness assessment for the simplification and harmonisation of CS3D, fostering a level playing field. Learn why clear guidelines, consistent implementation and adequate transition timelines are essential in our joint statement.

Moo’ving dairy forward, one cow at a time

29 Oct 2024
All Committees

Across the globe, Mars’ supply chains include over 200,000 cows and 1,000 farms to create its confectionary products. However, these treats don’t come without a cost: dairy is its second largest carbon footprint contributor of the Mars Snacking division, and raw ingredients account for over 70% of the organisation’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Those are the impacts Mars’ new sustainable dairy plan, Moo'ving Dairy Forward, seeks to address with its €43 million investment in dairy sustainability over the next three years. Learn more on Invested in Europe about the company's plan to cut emissions, starting on the farm with interventions that reduce enteric methane and increase sustainable feed production.

Shaping a prosperous future in Strasbourg

28 Oct 2024
All Committees

From Tuesday, 22 to Thursday, 24 October, we visited Strasbourg, France to engage with over 90 MEPs from across European Parliament. Joined by more than 100 members representing a range of sectors, we brought the voice of American business to the heart of the EU. We also shared our Recommendations to the European Parliament 2024-2029 that covers 61 areas that the new mandate can build on to build a more prosperous future for European citizens.  

Driving growth through open trade

28 Oct 2024
All Committees

International trade is critically important to the EU economy, supporting 1 in 5 jobs and driving growth. However, geopolitical tensions and diminishing competitiveness are increasingly making the principles of open trade politically vulnerable. In this context, shifting towards a more balanced EU trade policy that promotes openness and economic security is essential for ensuring long-term competitiveness and resilience. Find out how an open trade agenda can be an engine of European prosperity.

A trade policy to keep Europe competitive, prosperous and resilient

25 Oct 2024
All Committees
Customs & Trade Facilitation
Trade & External Affairs

As the European Parliament prepares for the confirmation hearings of the new Commissioners, the Open Trade Coalition is reiterating its call for a bold and open EU trade policy. First launched in July, the Coalition has grown into a group of 43 business associations, all of them united by the shared idea that trade openness is a key driver to keep the EU competitive, prosperous, and resilient in the face of global challenges. According to the Coalition, trade openness must therefore become a top priority and veritable leitmotiv for the EU over the next five years.

Balancing economic security and openness

23 Oct 2024
All Committees
Customs & Trade Facilitation
Trade & External Affairs

On Tuesday, 15 October, we heard how we can balance economic security and resilience with open trade. Our panel dove into the role that EU-US trade and investment ties play in supporting Europe’s competitiveness. We also heard about the importance of prioritising trade relationships with like-minded partners. After the panel, Maria Martin-Prat De Abreu, Deputy Director-General, Directorate-General for Trade, European Commission joined us to speak about EU trade policy is developing to meet current challenges. 

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