The panel was moderated by Antonios Nestoras, Head of Policy and Research, European Liberal Forum.
Discussing trade with the European Liberal Forum
On Thursday, 29 September, Thibaut L’Ortye, Director of Public Affairs, AmCham EU spoke at a Working Group roundtable hosted by the European Liberal Forum. Alongside Ricardo Pelaez, Commercial Affairs Counsellor for Europe, US Department of Commerce, the discussion focused on the effectiveness of the Trade and Technology Council as well as the future shape of the transatlantic trading relationship.

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Stressing the importance of open trade in Strasbourg
From Tuesday, 16 to Wednesday, 17 June, AmCham EU travelled to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France for a series of meetings on EU trade and external affairs policy developments. The delegation engaged with Members of the European Parliament and political group advisers to share business perspectives on the future of the EU-US relationship. Discussions focused on the need to reset transatlantic trade and investment ties, strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and preserve open, rules-based markets. Members also highlighted the importance of avoiding tariffs, reducing regulatory complexity, deepening cooperation on economic security, critical supply chains and digital policy as well as ensuring that resilience measures remain proportionate, predictable and open to trusted partners.
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Implementing the EU-US Joint Statement
With the EU having formally adopted the tariff reductions agreed under the EU-US Framework Agreement, the two sides now have an opportunity to enter a new phase.
The agreement has the potential to help restore stability and predictability for citizens and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic and provide the basis for continued collaborationbetween the EU and US. The goal should be to bring their shared $9.8 trillion commercial relationship to a more constructive place, focusing on cooperation where interests align.
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European Parliament plenary vote paves way for stronger transatlantic marketplace
Today, the European Parliament took a positive step to bring a degree of predictability to the transatlantic trade and investment climate. With their decision to approve tariff reductions on certain imports from the US, MEPs have demonstrated the EU’s commitment to honouring its side of the EU-US Framework Agreement.
Given the importance of the $9.8 trillion transatlantic marketplace for jobs and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic, the EU and the US must now continue down this track, pursuing cooperation based on the Framework Agreement. While AmCham EU opposes tariffs, the EU‑US Framework Agreement provides the most realistic path to de‑escalation in trade tensions and a more constructive relationship.
With the initial tariff reductions adopted, the EU and the US can move to advance other priorities identified in the August 2025 EU-US Joint Statement. In particular, the two sides should focus on joint action in four areas: tackling shared geopolitical challenges, bolstering supply chain security, strengthening transatlantic digital commerce and striking mutual recognition agreements (AmCham EU has set out these recommendations here). Cooperation in these four areas will bring benefits to American and European businesses alike.
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