News

Gala 2022: a recap

After three years away, the Brussels community finally had the chance to reconnect in person, and in style, at AmCham EU’s Gala 2022. With a special focus on ‘Invested in youth’, the evening brought together more than 250 guests to celebrate the contributions of the young generation. It showcased an inspiring cello performance from the two Queen Elisabeth Competition finalists and was capped off with the presentation of the Youth Entrepreneurship Award to a female entrepreneur.  

WTO ministerial: multilateralism remains critical but needs to deliver further results

The Twelfth Ministerial Conference (MC12) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) concluded on Friday, 17 June 2022. The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) applauds the WTO and its Member States for reaching outcomes against a challenging geopolitical backdrop. Consensus was found on several issues, including food security, pandemic response, fishing subsidies, the moratorium on import duties for e-commerce and, most importantly, the reform of the WTO.

Key organisations express concerns over the Cybersecurity Certification Scheme for Cloud Services

AmCham EU issued a joint statement alongside key EU digital business organisations to express concerns over several procedural and substantial elements in the Cybersecurity Certification Scheme for Cloud Services (EUCS) currently undertaken within the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). While the EU's ambition to tackle global cyber threats and protect citizens, institutions and businesses through cybersecurity certifications is appreciated, the inclusion of 'digital sovereignty' requirements risks negatively impacting international and European providers of cloud computing solutions as well as organisations that use cloud and require high levels of cybersecurity assurances.

MC12: the ingredients to make it a success

After being postponed last December due to rising COVID-19 rates, the twelfth Ministerial Conference of the WTO will take place in Geneva between 12-15 June. The Ministerial will take place under challenging and divisive circumstances, including the remaining effects of the COVID pandemic and the devastation caused by the war in Ukraine. These and other issues will make it difficult for the Ministerial to make progress towards an agreed common statement. Regardless, as US business in Europe, we emphasise the importance of the WTO as a pillar of the rules-based multilateral trading system and a stabiliser and unifier for international trade.

Simona Popa sits down with the Martens Centre at #EPPRotterdam

Taking a step away from the action of the EPP Congress in Rotterdam, Simona Popa (InterDigital), Vice-Chair, European Parliament Outreach Task Force, AmCham EU, sat down with Margherita Movarelli, Head of Communications and Marketing, Martens Centre, to discuss the future of the transatlantic relationship. The discussion was part of a series of sideline events hosted by the EPP's political foundation and think tank during the party Congress. Simona Popa explained that while the transatlantic relationship is strong, based on unified values and economic ties, more ambition is needed from leaders on both sides of the Atlantic to solve shared challenges. Watch the full interview for more.

Checking in from #EPPRotterdam

Last week a delegation from AmCham EU’s European Parliament Outreach Task Force attended the 27th EPP Party Congress in Rotterdam, Netherlands from Tuesday, 31 May to Wednesday, 1 June. The Congress was highlighted by the election of Manfred Weber as the next EPP President, who takes over the role from Donald Tusk. The delegation had the pleasure of speaking with many party members during the two days including Donald Tusk, former President of the EPP; Roberta Metsola, MEP (EPP, MT) and President of the European Parliament; Simona Busuttil, Secretary General, EPP Group and many more influential guests including other MEPs, Commissioners, Prime Ministers and Member State politicians.

AmCham EU hosts Don Graves, US Deputy Secretary of Commerce

On Friday, 3 June, AmCham EU hosted Don Graves, Deputy Secretary of Commerce, US Department of Commerce for an insightful in-person meeting as the last stop on his visit to Europe. The topics discussed included export controls, the war in Ukraine, semiconductors and the EMPOWER HER initiative. The discussion centered around a recognition of the importance of investing in a global multilateral system based on shared norms and values. For example, international bodies dealing with standardisation are an area where there is a need for the EU and US to work together to advance their common positions.

AmCham EU elects new Member-at-Large of the Board

AmCham EU would like to congratulate Fiona Taylor (Verizon), who has been elected as the new Member-at-Large (corporate) of the Board of Directors for a two-year term. We welcome Fiona to her new role, and look forward to working with her. The election is following the upcoming end of the term of outgoing Board member Claudia Selli (AT&T). AmCham EU expresses our sincere thanks for her valuable contribution to the Board over the last three years. The official handover will take place at the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 28 June.

AmCham EU would also like to thank every candidate for standing and for the thought, energy and effort that went into the campaigns and presentations. We look forward to all candidates continuing to be engaged actively at AmCham EU.

Foreign subsidies regulation: key EU trade and investment partners raise concerns

AmCham EU, together with business groups representing key EU trade and investment partners, issued a joint statement expressing concern at significant elements of the proposed Regulation on foreign subsides and calling for amendments to the text. While the proposal rightfully seeks to address those non-EU subsidies which risk distorting the EU internal market, it could inadvertently impact international companies whose home jurisdiction shares Europe’s open market principles.