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Digital Operational Resilience in the European Union

25 Jan 2023
Digital Economy
Financial Services

Businesses require clarity and consistency to properly and effectively adopt strong cybersecurity standards. The EU's new Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) takes these principles seriously as they apply to cybersecurity rules for financial services companies and their Information and Communication Technology (ICT) service providers, yet further progress must be made. For DORA to be successful, policymakers must avoid conflicting requirements with other pieces of cybersecurity legislation and clarify certain definitions to ensure legal certainty.  

5 policy areas to watch in 2023

23 Jan 2023
All Committees

For Europe and the world, 2022 was a tumultuous year. The undercurrents of uncertainty that defined last year have not disappeared – Russia's war on Ukraine, higher energy prices, looming trade tensions and the prospect of economic slowdown will continue to be top of mind for businesses, consumers and policymakers across the continent. With a busy year ahead, here are our top five policy areas to focus on in 2023.    

Investing in a healthier economy

23 Jan 2023
Healthcare

There are few investments more worth making than one for your health. In our latest study, we analysed eight countries in central and eastern Europe and found that, by all measures, lower healthcare spending leads to poorer health outcomes. As populations age and the economy continues to recover, policymakers should view greater healthcare expenditures as a necessary investment in economic growth and health system resiliency. Closing the gap between central and eastern European countries and their western European counterparts must be a priority for national governments – for the health of their citizens and economies.  

Joint business statement on the due diligence proposal

19 Jan 2023

Developing more sustainable supply chains is essential to the spirit of the public-private partnerships that underline the EU's green transition. To that effect, AmCham EU, along with 26 industry associations, supports a realistic, workable and proportionate due diligence directive. Adopting clear guidance, a risk-based approach and, most importantly, harmonising legal clauses will be key to building the best EU due diligence framework. Read the full joint business statement here.  

Supporting inclusive workplaces

17 Jan 2023
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Consumers, citizens and businesses all benefit when workplaces are equitable, accessible and inclusive. That's why AmCham EU has recently donated over €3,000 to 65 degrés, a restaurant driving change by employing people with disabilities. In December, AmCham EU hosted a high-level lunch featuring a keynote from Helena Dalli, European Commissioner for Equality, at the restaurant as part of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion event series. Learn more about how our members are working towards equality in our Uniting for diversity campaign.  

Reviving resilience: cybersecurity for products in the digital age

16 Jan 2023
Digital Economy

As the European economy digitalises, cybersecurity challenges, including the threat of cyber-attacks, grow more serious. Many products are now made with digital elements, meaning more products across supply chains can be targeted by malicious activity. To ensure market confidence, it is fundamental that the European Commission, with their Cyber Resilience Act, consider industry concerns and enhance the security of products in their early design and development phases. Read our latest position on the Cyber Resilience Act proposal for our recommendations to improve and clarify this critical piece of legislation.  

Recommendations to the Swedish Presidency

13 Jan 2023
All Committees

On 1 January 2023, Sweden took over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which comes at a difficult time for the EU and the world. The volatility of the external environment is a serious concern for American companies in Europe, alongside the war in Ukraine, the energy and food crises, staggering inflation levels and the disruption of global supply chains. The Swedish Presidency takes on a critical task in supporting the development of an outward-looking industrial strategy in Europe, one that relies on the twin digital and green transitions.

Sign the pledge, EMPOWER HER

11 Jan 2023
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Is your company empowering women? EMPOWER HER, the AmCham EU initiative in partnership with the US Department of Commerce, looks to uplift the role of women and girls in international trade and business. Many of AmCham EU’s members are already taking steps to advance a more diverse and inclusive workplace, and signing the declaration puts these commitments in writing. Learn more about the initiative here and sign the declaration today! With any questions, please reach out to Lucia Lopez Carasa, Associate Policy Adviser (LLO@amchameu.eu).  

Three resolutions for 2023

9 Jan 2023
All Committees

Whether you ate 12 grapes at midnight, watched the ball drop in Times Square or went to sleep early, a fresh year is upon us, brimming with new possibilities – and old challenges. This year and those to come will be defined by how we choose to address our common challenges. In the spirit of building a more hopeful 2023, AmCham EU has a few suggestions on how to make this year brighter than the last: build a more united Europe, accelerate the twin transitions and strengthen the transatlantic relationship. Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU shares more on our three resolutions for 2023. 

What comes next for EU energy policy?

19 Dec 2022
Transport, Energy & Climate

As Europe’s winter begins in earnest, consumers and businesses alike are struggling with soaring energy costs. In response, the European Commission and Council of the European Union have stepped in with proposals to combat rising gas prices, further reduce gas demand in Europe and enhance critical infrastructure. These issues were front of mind when EU energy ministers met in December to debate a temporary gas market correction mechanism.

Building space-based secure connectivity

15 Dec 2022
Security, Defence & Space

In October 2022, the EU adopted a space-based Secure Connectivity Programme, meant to create a low earth orbit mega-constellation to service Europe, Africa and the Arctic through high-speed broadband. In order to create a successful framework that adequately integrates shared standards and security, EU policymakers should prioritise transatlantic cooperation, carefully assessed public private partnerships and eligibility for non-EU entities in alignment with existing EU programmes. To read more about the Security, Defence and Space Committee's priorities on the Secure Connectivity Programme, read more here. 

The transatlantic relationship in 2023

13 Dec 2022
Transatlantic

For the final time in 2022, AmCham EU brought together its members and stakeholders for a plenary session to discuss the state of the EU-US relationship. The morning's meeting featured a panel covering the Trade and Technology Council's third ministerial, the outcome of the US midterm elections, the Inflation Reduction Act and more. This year's volatility proved that the EU and US are stronger together, and must remain committed partners in the turbulent years to come.  

Perspectives on the ESPR proposal

12 Dec 2022
Environment

On Wednesday, 7 December, AmCham EU gathered together representatives from both the public and private sectors to discuss the future of sustainable products. Drawing on her role as Shadow Rapporteur, Jessica Polfjärd, MEP (EPP, SE) gave the event’s keynote address on the proposal for Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).

Shoe-Box project brings family, friends together to give back

12 Dec 2022
All Committees

On Friday, 9 December, AmCham EU hosted its annual event as part of the Samaritans’  Shoe-Box project, giving participants a fun opportunity to give back to the local community. Over holiday music and cookies, members, staff, friends and family came together to pack boxes with non-perishable food items and toiletries to be handed out to the less fortunate. Tis the season for reflection, and while AmCham EU works hard to support our members, we also strive to be leaders in the local community. Read more about our efforts to give back here.  

EU-Chile Agreement: AmCham EU welcomes conclusion and renews calls for progress on all EU trade agreements

9 Dec 2022
Trade & External Affairs

AmCham EU welcomes the conclusion of the negotiations on the EU-Chile Advanced Framework Agreement and encourages a swift ratification process. The deal has the potential to advance the bilateral economic relationship between Chile and the EU as well as strengthen the EU’s global trade network. AmCham EU also renews previous calls on EU institutions to reignite efforts to make progress on the several ongoing negotiations on free trade agreements (FTAs) with third countries. 

Membership update: AmCham EU welcomes new members Koch Companies and Kyndryl

7 Dec 2022
All Committees

We are delighted to announce our membership has grown as Koch Companies and Kyndryl have been approved as new members. Koch Companies, based in Wichita, Kansas, works across sectors in many Member States, employing over 10,000 people in their manufacturing facilities. Based in New York, New York, Kyndryl is a technology services company valued at $19 billion, committed to simplifying complex technological environments for their clients all over the world. We're wishing a warm welcome to our new members and look forward to working closely on our advocacy efforts in the future.  

The secret ingredients to inclusion

7 Dec 2022
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

On Tuesday, 6 December, AmCham EU hosted a high-level diversity and inclusion gastronomic lunch to mark the 30th anniversary of the International Day of People with Disabilities. The lunch took place at 65 degrés – a restaurant driving change by employing people with disabilities – and featured a keynote speech from Helena Dalli, European Commissioner for Equality. 

Stakeholder engagement at the TTC

6 Dec 2022
Transatlantic

On Monday, 5 December, Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU, took part in the panel ‘Advancing Development of Sustainable, Transparent and Resilient Supply Chains’ as part of the Trade and Technology Council’s (TTC) third ministerial Stakeholder Roundtable. The discussion sought to maximise the outcomes from the TTC, particularly on issues such as supply chains and semiconductors.  

At a turning point: Healthcare systems in Central and Eastern Europe

6 Dec 2022
Healthcare

As governments rise to the challenge of managing the interlinked dynamics of population health and economic uncertainty, At a turning point: Healthcare systems in Central and Eastern Europe highlights the key differences and commonalities in healthcare financing and policy approaches across 13 European countries. The report, written by the Economist Impact, identifies major trends and aims to benchmark access and provision of healthcare services, medicines, healthcare outcomes as well as quality of care. It also puts forward a number of recommendations for action, in areas such as financing models, delivery of care, access to innovative treatments, diagnostics and digital infrastructure.

Trade and Technology Council: US business in Europe supports outcomes of third ministerial

6 Dec 2022
All Committees
Transatlantic

EU and US leaders met yesterday in Maryland, United States, for the third ministerial meeting of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC). They outlined an ambitious list of deliverables in a range of areas, including artificial intelligence, standards, quantum, digital infrastructure and connectivity in third countries, semiconductor supply chain resilience, vaccines, skills and sustainable trade.

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