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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. 

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.  

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 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. 

Hearings of the Commissioners-designate: competitiveness must be top of the agenda

22 Oct 2024
All Committees

A call to action from 17 senior business leaders: The upcoming hearings of the Commissioners-designate provide a double opportunity. For candidates, they have a chance to outline how they will translate the Commission priorities into reality. For Members of the European Parliament, they can ensure that boosting the EU economy and its competitiveness stands at the top of the political agenda.

Recommendations to the European Parliament 2024-2029

21 Oct 2024
All Committees

The arrival of a new EU mandate brings a renewed sense of purpose as Europe faces a range of critical challenges, from the continued impact of Russian aggression in Ukraine to sliding economic competitiveness. The new European Parliament will need to act decisively to restore economic growth and bolster the EU’s resilience. This starts with making Europe a more attractive business environment. Read our Recommendations to the European Parliament of 2024-2029 to find out how to build a stronger and more united EU.

Competitiveness and growth at AmCham Hungary’s Business Meets Government Summit

18 Oct 2024
All Committees

How can the new mandate tackle the challenges Europe faces, from Ukraine’s recovery to balancing the Green Deal with economic prosperity? That’s what Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU asked while moderating a panel at AmCham Hungary’s Business Meets Government Summit. The panel gave the industry perspective, where Ms. Danger got to the heart of Europe’s biggest issues. Central to the debate was competitiveness and concerns over the EU’s attractiveness as a place to do business., With over 50,000 jobs supported by US companies in Hungary, it is vital we remove barriers to investment. Much of this recent discussion has been driven by Mario Draghi’s report, where he highlighted the need for urgent action to be taken

Ensuring more secure transatlantic data flows

16 Oct 2024
All Committees

The European Commission’s positive first review of the EU-US Data Privacy Framework last week puts businesses on both sides of the Atlantic a step closer to a predictable transatlantic data transfers regime. Data transfers are the lifeblood of our digital economy and a key pillar of the transatlantic partnership. The sooner the new framework is implemented, the sooner EU and US businesses and consumers can benefit from secure, compliant data flows. Learn more about the Commission’s review.

Exploring the impacts the US elections could have on the transatlantic partnership

15 Oct 2024
All Committees
Transatlantic

As the US presidential election draws closer, how will the next administration influence the transatlantic partnership? That’s what we heard about on Monday, 14 October during our US elections event, co-organised with POLITICO Pro. Attendees gained insights from both sides of the aisle, hearing comments from Jack Kingston, former US representative and former Republican Congressman and Bart Szewczyk, former US State Department official and former Co-chair, EU subgroup, Biden-Harris campaign. Aura Salla, MEP (EPP, FI) joined the panel to examine how the EU can prepare for the upcoming US administration. With the transatlantic remaining the largest, most integrated partnership in the world, find out why it’s crucial EU and US leaders continue to invest in this impactful relationship

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