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.
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.
The festivities began with remarks from Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU who shared a hopeful perspective for the future of European innovation and the transatlantic relationship. The audience then had the opportunity to enjoy a cello concert from Queen Elisabeth Competition finalists Hayoung Choi and Yibai Chen.
The highlight of the evening, however, was the presentation of this year’s Youth Entrepreneurship Award, in collaboration with JA Europe. For the last decade, AmCham EU has been proud to support entrepreneurship in Europe, and this year, as part of the European Year of Youth and in line with the mission of the EMPOWER HER initiative, the Executive Council doubled down on their commitment. All three finalists will receive mentorship from the business minds of European CEOs. There could only be one winner and the top prize went to Sweden’s Ida Norström, CEO, Energy Effective Solutions. Norström works to provide energy-efficient electrical installations for companies and private individuals, and her company is the fastest growing in her country’s sector.
AmCham EU also made a contribution to the Queen Elisabeth Competition, and has been glad to support the young musicians, even when we could only hear their performances virtually the last two years. Learn more about how AmCham EU gives back here.
A big thank you is in order for sponsor ExxonMobil. Be sure to mark your calendars for next year’s 60th anniversary gala, set for Wednesday, 28 June 2023.
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The European Council’s decision to postpone its vote on concluding the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement (FTA) is a missed strategic opportunity that threatens the EU’s credibility as a reliable partner. After more than 20 years of negotiations, the EU is once again delaying one of its most ambitious and strategic trade agreements.
The EU-Mercosur FTA’s economic benefits are clear. At a time when strengthening competitiveness, economic growth and partnerships should be paramount, the FTA provides access to a market of 284 million consumers – reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers and supporting integrated supply chains.
Beyond its economic benefits, the EU-Mercosur FTA is also an important geopolitical tool. It would anchor a long-term strategic partnership with a key region and reinforce the EU’s role as a credible advocate of rules-based trade. Amid heightened geopolitical rivalry, postponement weakens the EU’s standing and its ability to conclude ambitious FTAs elsewhere.
The EU cannot afford further delays. The EU-Mercosur FTA is vital for the region’s competitiveness, resilience and global credibility. The European Council must promptly return to this file and conclude this FTA in January.
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The American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU) has confirmed Liam Benham, President, EU, NATO and Government Affairs, Europe, Boeing, for a second mandate as Chair of its Board of Directors. We look forward to continuing our work with Liam as he brings his expertise and leadership to advancing AmCham EU’s strategic priorities.
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On Tuesday 2 December, Thibaut L’Ortye, Senior Director of Public Affairs, AmCham EU presented The Transatlantic Economy 2025 report at AmCham Luxembourg’s Transatlantic Trade and Investment event. Stacey Feinberg, US Ambassador to Luxembourg highlighted the strong ties between Luxembourg and the US, with over 150,000 people employed thanks to the partnership. During his section, Mr L’Ortye presented the results of the report, with a particular focus on the resiliency of the EU-US relationship. Despite differing views on certain issues, the transatlantic partnership remains the most integrated in the world, directly responsible for 16 million jobs and one third of global GDP.
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