You are here

News

Continuing to be the BestinBrussels

21 Jun 2024
All Committees

On Thursday, 20 June, AmCham EU’s reputation shined as it was named as a finalist for the Best EU Trade Association category at the BestinBrussels 2024 Best Practice Awards. Surveying over 700 public affairs professionals and consultants, the award considered 2,400 trade associations operating in Brussels. The shortlisted associations included AmCham EU, European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), DIGITALEUROPE, European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries (EFPIA) and Wind Europe with Cefic, taking the top prize. Our members were on display as well, with the Best Corporate EU Public Affairs Team 2024 going to Microsoft, with Amazon and Google also being shortlisted for the category. Congratulations to all who were involved!   

AmCham EU hosts its Annual General Meeting 2024

19 Jun 2024
All Committees

On Tuesday, 18 June, AmCham EU held its Annual General Meeting (AGM), where we had the honour of welcoming Mark Gitenstein, US Ambassador to the EU during the seated lunch portion of the meeting. During the internal session, members reviewed last year’s accomplishments, discussed plans for the organisation in 2024 and congratulated Kim Huynh Thi, Senior Events and Marketing Manager for 2024 Lizanne Scott Staff Excellence Award. The AGM also featured the launch of our refreshed Invested in Europe platform.

Introducing the Lizanne Scott Staff Excellence Award winner 2024

19 Jun 2024
All Committees

On Tuesday, 18 June during our Annual General Meeting, the Lizanne Scott Staff Excellence Award 2024 was presented to Kim Huynh Thi, Senior Events and Marketing Manager. Congratulations to Kim for her outstanding display of strong work ethic, can-do attitude and sense of teamwork. Her work on our 60th anniversary Gala and staff alumni event were two of the standout reasons for why she won the award. She has shown superb creativity, outstanding project management skills and always has a positive attitude. Well done, Kim!  

Taking part in the Ukraine Recovery Conference

19 Jun 2024
All Committees

From Tuesday, 11 to Wednesday, 12 June, AmCham EU attended the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin, Germany to discuss the role of the private sector in Ukraine’s reconstruction. During the conference, we discussed how the implementation of the Ukraine Facility can play a central role in Ukraine’s integration with the Euroatlantic community for its economic reconstruction. We also met with Oleksii Sobolev, Deputy Minister, Digital Transformations and Digitalization, Ministry of Economy of Ukraine.

Supporting European start-ups

19 Jun 2024
All Committees

On Tuesday, 11 June, Thibaut L’Ortye, Public Affairs Director, AmCham EU, took part in the jury of EUROPEN’s Market Expansion Award, organised in collaboration with Junior Achievement Europe. Now in its second year, the award recognises start-ups that maximise the opportunities presented by the Single Market.  The winner, Saga Medical Solutions from The Netherlands, seek to provide solutions for the medical sector, starting with an alternative to traditional kidney dishes. Saga Medical Solutions received a €1,000 prize. 

Navigating food security in an uncertain world

19 Jun 2024
All Committees

Food security in a changing world was the central theme at our event, Food for all: food security in times of crisis held on Monday, 17 June. Leading figures from the agriculture and food sector tackled the challenge of balancing food affordability and sovereignty with the environmental pressures of biodiversity loss and climate change. David Clarinval, Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium, offered a hopeful outlook on future food supplies in his keynote. The panel discussion further emphasised the importance of open global dialogue in bridging perspectives and forging solutions to our shared food security challenges. 

Joining the industry call to finalise the EUCS

19 Jun 2024
All Committees

After three years of discussions, the March draft of the European Cybersecurity Certification Scheme for Cloud Services (EUCS) offers a more balanced approach. Together with 26 other organisations, we are urging for its adoption and to finalise the scheme’s adoption process. It is crucial that any future certifications developed under the European Cybersecurity Act, or similarly widely accepted specifications or standards, are non-discriminatory, technically feasible and future-proof to sustain the growth and resilience of Europe’s digital economy. 

Reflecting on a diamond year: read our Annual Report 2023

17 Jun 2024
All Committees

Between moving offices, a special Gala featuring two prime ministers and over twelve months' celebrations around our 60th anniversary, 2023 was a monumental year for AmCham EU. Yet despite the celebrations, the year brought its share of changes and challenges as well. From an increasingly complex geopolitical environment to making the case for enhancing the EU’s competitiveness, we never lost sight of our original mission: building a strong and united Europe and maintaining and strengthening the transatlantic relationship. Our 2023 Annual Report provides an overview of how we continued to be the top voice for US business committed to and invested in Europe. 

Analysing the results of the EU elections

12 Jun 2024
All Committees
European Parliament Outreach

On Monday, 10 June, we held a breakfast to share our insights and perspectives on the results of the EU elections. Doru Frantescu, CEO and Founder, EU Matrix gave a presentation which outlined the implications of the outcome and ways of working for the new 2024-2029 European Parliament. Following the presentation Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU and Quang-Minh Lepescheux (Microsoft), Chair, European Parliament Outreach Task Force, AmCham EU joined the stage to take questions from the audience. We look forward to working with new and re-elected MEPs throughout the new mandate.  

Engaging the Polish Ambassador to the EU

12 Jun 2024
All Committees

On Friday, 7 June, AmCham EU met with Piotr Serafin, Ambassador, Acting Permanent Representative, Polish Permanent Representation to the EU. To start the meeting, the Ambassador shared the priorities of the upcoming Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU. Afterwards, AmCham EU laid out our recommendations to the Polish Presidency across a number of sectors including digital, intellectual property and the environment. 

Implementing the Ukraine Facility

12 Jun 2024
All Committees
Ukraine Task Force

The Ukraine Facility represents a great opportunity to bolster Ukraine’s resilience and economic growth as well as the European Union’s commitment to this cause. To be successfully implemented, resources must be deployed in a fair and transparent manner. Open governance, including structured and regular incorporation of business feedback, is also needed to ensure the Facility meets economic and strategic objectives effectively. Additionally, EU stakeholders should start considering how they can provide clarity and strategic planning beyond the current terms of the Facility and how the Multiannual Financial Framework can provide stability and confidence for long-term investments. Taken together, this approach to the Facility’s implementation can foster a conducive environment for business operations and sustainable economic growth in Ukraine. 

Advancing circular water use in Europe

11 Jun 2024
All Committees

Water dependency is a critical business continuity challenge. That’s why Dow facilities in Terneuzen, the Netherlands and Böhlen, Germany have joined the AquaSPICE consortium to reduce their freshwater intake by 20%. The initiative aims to treat cooling tower blowdown streams and slightly impaired wastewater streams to create a reliable water source that can be recycled for industrial use. To put this pilot into broader use, the consortium will share its data with several organisations to develop a digitalised, enhanced water reuse model. Find out more about members' water resilience initiatives on Invested in Europe.  

Ukraine and the transatlantic alliance

10 Jun 2024
All Committees
Ukraine Task Force

Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine has not only devastated Ukraine and resulted in over half a million people dead or injured, it has amplified global financial instabilities and supply chain distortions, wreaked havoc on food and energy markets, and generated the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. But through economic aid, the transatlantic partners have spearheaded international efforts to support Ukraine. EU member states and EU institutions combined committed $153.8 billion from January 2022 to January 2024. On the other side of the Atlantic, the United States has been the single largest country donor, with commitments of $74.2 billion. Learn more on Thriving Together

Welcome to the new European Parliament!

10 Jun 2024
All Committees

From Thursday, 6 June to Sunday, 9 June, European citizens exercised their right to vote, electing their representatives in the European Parliament for the next five years. The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) congratulates newly elected and re-elected Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

Remembering D-Day, 80 years later

6 Jun 2024
All Committees

In 1944, tens of thousands of American and Allied service members stood shoulder to shoulder on the beaches of Normandy in an operation that would ultimately lead to the liberation of Europe and restore peace to the continent. 80 years later we remember their sacrifice and the shared values they fought for: democracy, rule of law and human dignity.  

Exploring the green transition in Prague

5 Jun 2024
All Committees
Environment

On Tuesday, 14 and Wednesday, 15 May, an AmCham EU delegation visited Prague, Czechia to discuss key issues around environmental topics. The delegates met with representatives from both the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Top of mind during the delegation was how we can enable the green transition, further strengthen transatlantic relations and how to manage external volatility through international cooperation.  

Introducing the 2024 Youth Entrepreneurship Award finalists

5 Jun 2024
All Committees

AmCham EU and JA Europe are pleased to announce the finalists for this year’s AmCham EU Youth Entrepreneurship Award 2024. The award, now in its 12th edition, recognises young people’s entrepreneurial spirit and aims to foster innovation in Europe. The finalists were selected from a pool of applicants from all over Europe. The winner will be selected by a high-level jury and announced on Tuesday, 25 June at our Gala evening.

Relay for Life 2024

4 Jun 2024
All Committees

For 24 hours over Saturday, 1 and Sunday, 2 June, the AmCham EU staff, members, alumni and their families campaigned and raised funds for the fight against cancer at the annual Relay for Life at the Stade du Pachy in Waterloo, Belgium. Cancer touches all of our lives in one way or another, and staying on the track for a whole day represents a small tribute to the perseverance of cancer patients and their loved ones. AmCham EU was able to raise our goal of €10,000 with special thanks to Amazon, DuPont, FTI Consulting and TE Connectivity, among many others.

Green Deal goals: can the EU be both sustainable and competitive?

3 Jun 2024
All Committees
Environment

On Tuesday, 28 May, we looked at how the EU can solidify itself as a leader in the fight against climate change. We also dove into how climate policies will impact the competitiveness of the EU while reaching its Green Deal goals. Our panelist explained why finding the right balance between environmental ambition and economic prosperity is crucial for a successful transition. The discussions highlighted the need for innovation and investment in green technologies to ensure the EU remains a global leader.  

Revolutionising water management with technology

29 May 2024
All Committees
Environment

In Larissa, Greece, Cisco has partnered with the local municipal water supply and sewage utility, DEYAL, and technology company IoTECH to pilot smart water meters. Digitising the collection of water meter readings has the potential to save time for DEYAL staff and improve water management. As water becomes an increasingly precious resource, initiatives like this will help protect our water supply and make our resources go further. Learn more on Invested in Europe

Pages