News

Transatlantic Week postponed

The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) is postponing its Transatlantic Week 2020 (Wednesday 25 March to Friday 27 March). The series of events, which includes the Transatlantic Reception, the Transatlantic Conference and the Brussels Briefing for European AmChams, will be rescheduled to the autumn.

In light of the COVID-19 global outbreak, the AmCham EU Board of Directors has decided to postpone the events as a precaution to ensure the health and safety of our guests, speakers, members and staff. In addition, current guidelines restricting international travel for government officials and corporates are limiting the ability of many guests to attend.

The Transatlantic Week has always been about bringing people together from both sides of the Atlantic to discuss the future of the transatlantic relationship. We feel that in the current circumstances we are not able to meet this goal.

AmCham EU celebrates International Women's Day 2020

On Sunday, 8 March 2020, AmCham EU celebrated International Women's Day through a campaign which highlights the progress of women in the workplace as well as looking at how we can help realise equality. The campaign includes a video which features four different and interesting perspectives from Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU; Elizabeth Krahulecz, Chair of AmCham EU's Diversity & Inclusion Task Force and Associate Partner, EY; Thibaut L'Ortye, Associate Director of Public Affairs, AmCham EU and Christina Taylor, Market Engagement Intern, AmCham EU. AmCham EU's campaign forms part of a wider social media movement under the hashtag #EachforEqual. Check out the video here.  

Online launch of AmCham EU's Circular Economy Brochure

On Wednesday, 11 March 2020, we will be launching our new brochure, ‘The Circular Economy: 15 innovative industry solutions that drive a sustainable future’ which features a series of solutions, as well as recommendations for EU policymakers as they take steps towards building and implementing the new Circular Economy strategy. The online launch will be followed by an event, details will follow shortly. The brochure is being launched on the same day as the European Commission's new Circular Economy Action Plan which will seek to strengthen EU industry, help fight climate change and preserve the EU’s natural environment. 

AmCham EU delegation visit to Berlin

From Monday, 2 to Wednesday, 4 March 2020, a delegation of AmCham EU members and secretariat visited Berlin for a series of meetings with representatives of the German federal government and the German Bundestag. During the visit, they also met with the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany (AmCham Germany) and the Federation of German Industries (BDI). This visit occured ahead of the upcoming German Presidency of the Council of the European Union, commencing Wednesday, 1 July 2020. 

How the EU can lead in industry this decade

Maxime Bureau, Chairman of AmCham EU penned an op-ed to Our World that speaks to the need for a comprehensive industrial strategy in the EU. In the article, Mr Bureau outlined the importance of addressing challenges related to the skills gap, climate change and the future of the multilateral trading system. In the piece which can be found here, he also stressed that 'as global competition in manufacturing becomes fiercer, we need European industry to be competitive'.

Shaping Europe’s digital future

In its ‘shaping Europe’s digital future’ communication released today, the European Commission outlines a comprehensive strategy to unlock the potential of data and digital technologies. The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) supports this approach which aims to piece together the many building blocks needed for a successful digitisation of the European economy.  

2021 VAT e-commerce package - Business needs certainty and transparency

On Thursday, 13 February 2020, AmCham EU sent a letter to Stephen Quest, Director General of DG TAXUD, requesting greater transparency on the progress of the 2021 VAT e-commerce package and its implementation. This comes following the instruction of the European Council to the European Commission to complete an assessment by the end of 2019 of the EU’s readiness to implement the changes necessary to meet the 1 January 2021 deadline.

AmCham EU co-signs a call for Members of the European Parliament to ratify the EU-Vietnam Agreements

The EU-Vietnam FTA: Opportunities for European and Vietnamese business, consumers and workers growing better together

Following on from the strong support of the International Trade committee on 21 January 2020, the undersigned business associations respectfully request that Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) consider the benefits for both sides and approve the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement. Support from the European Parliament on this deal would lead to increased partnership and dialogue as well as expand cooperation globally and with Vietnam.

Susan Danger, AmCham EU CEO, calls for clarity on Brexit day

Three and a half years after the referendum, the United Kingdom left the European Union on Friday, 31 January 2020. Susan Danger, AmCham EU CEO stressed that moving forward, we need clarity, an ambitious future relationship, and we must avoid barriers while working together. For more, see her video here.