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Past and present: a recap of our 40th Competition Policy Conference

20 Nov 2023
All Committees
Competition policy

This year’s Annual Competition Policy Conference ‘Looking to the past, shaping the future’, took place on Thursday, 16 October. The conference focused on the last 40 years of competition policy and what lessons we can take with us to prepare us for the future. Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU kicked off the event by underling how strong competition policies are needed to reinforce Europe’s place as an attractive environment for businesses to invest. Elsa Sependa, Chair of the Competition Policy Committee, highlighted AmCham EU's role as a facilitator of transatlantic dialogue on competition policy at a moment of great change in regulation. During the event, we heard from Marc van der Woude, President, General Court of the European Union who identified everlasting trends in competition policy discussion and their value to both examinations of its past, and debate around its future. 

AmCham EU confirms new Vice-Chair (Lawyer/Consultant) of the Board of Directors

13 Nov 2023
All Committees
Board

AmCham EU would like to congratulate Hans Hack (FTI Consulting), who has been confirmed as the new Vice-Chair (Lawyer/Consultant) of the Board of Directors for a two-year mandate. The nomination is following the end of the mandate of outgoing Board member Kaarli Eichhorn (Jones Day). AmCham EU expresses our sincere thanks for Kaarli's valuable contribution to the Board over the past three years. The official handover will take place at our next plenary meeting on Tuesday, 28 November. We welcome Hans to his new role and look forward to working with him. 

AmCham EU welcomes Jovita Neliupšienė, EU Ambassador-designate to the US

10 Nov 2023
All Committees

On Wednesday, 8 November, AmCham EU welcomed Jovita Neliupšienė, EU Ambassador-designate to the US, for a breakfast meeting prior to her upcoming appointment in January. The discussions covered a range of current issues, particularly around cultivating the attractiveness of Europe, the need for closer transatlantic ties in the face of global tensions as well as areas for future collaboration. 

Engaging European leaders with our Executive Council

8 Nov 2023
All Committees
Executive Council

What role can business play in boosting the attractiveness of Europe? That was one of the questions AmCham EU's Executive Council explored during its autumn plenary over Monday, 6 November and Tuesday, 7 November. The group met in Brussels for a series of internal planning meetings and external discussions with high-level stakeholders. Throughout the two days, conversations centred around the difficult geopolitical landscape, what can be done to strengthen the Single Market, how the private sector can engage with the EU institutions ahead of the upcoming elections and the importance of aligning with likeminded partners. 

A warm welcome to our new Executive Council members

8 Nov 2023
All Committees
Executive Council

Joining just in time to participate in the autumn plenary, we are delighted to welcome the following new members to our Executive Council: Olivier Marquette, President, Bulgaria, India, Jordan and Netherlands, The AES Corporation; Jaclyn McQuaid, President and Managing Director, General Motors Europe; Oliver Tuszik, President Europe Middle East and Africa, Cisco and Marc Vandiepenbeeck, President Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America, Johnson Controls. They join a group of senior executives leading the European operations of some of the world’s largest multinational companies.  

Last chance to register: looking to the past, shaping the future

7 Nov 2023
All Committees
Competition policy

With developments in technology, enforcement and beyond, a modern perspective must be applied to competition policy if the EU is to be prepared for future challenges. With an ever-changing geopolitical environment, the competition space needs to be resilient while also positioning itself to aid the attractiveness of Europe. Register for our Competition Policy Conference on Thursday, 16 November and find out what’s next for competition policy in Europe.

Invested in Europe: Cargill's commitment to diversity and education

2 Nov 2023
All Committees
Future of Work, Education & Skills

Because Cargill recognises value of diversity, it is working with Netherlands-based nonprofit Giving Back to support students who are the first in their family to pursue higher education. This partnership provides students with development workshops, mentorship and networking, both with fellow participants and corporate partners. A cornerstone of the initiative is Cargill’s master class for students, which includes sustainability and corporate responsibility as part of its curriculum. Volunteers from Cargill bolster the programme by mentoring these students and helping to shape their futures. Through this initiative, the company is preparing tomorrow’s talent to seize opportunities while also raising awareness about cultural diversity and the importance of inclusion. 

Enhancing European customs: the path to trade efficiency and compliance

26 Oct 2023
All Committees
Customs & Trade Facilitation

With the introduction of the European Customs Authority, the EU Customs Data Hub and the ‘Trust & Check’ trader status, the European Commission has demonstrated a commitment to improving customs procedures and facilitate trade. However, certain aspects require further refinement. For instance, each of these measures needs to be proportionate, streamlined and transparent. Policymakers should also harmonise customs infringements, non-criminal sanctions and Restrictions and Prohibitions. Learn how we can refine EU customs and strike the right balance for trade facilitation. 

The European Net-Zero Industry Act: planting the seeds for sustainable economic growth

26 Oct 2023
All Committees

The European Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) presents a great opportunity for the EU to address climate change while encouraging economic growth. This package arrives at times of need given the ongoing crises and other countries’ decarbonisation investments, particularly the US Inflation Reduction Act. On Wednesday, 25 October, the European Parliament passed a vote to support the Act’s adoption, demonstrating their sustained commitment towards the NZIA’s sustainability goals. The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) supports this initiative and is pleased to see the EU making advancements in the green transition without hindering economic prosperity.

Reinforcing transatlantic collaboration in financial services in Washington, DC

25 Oct 2023
All Committees
Financial Services

From Tuesday, 17 to Thursday, 19 October, AmCham EU visited Washington, DC to discuss overarching priorities around financial services and sustainable finance. On the first day, delegates attended a panel discussion on the importance of transatlantic cooperation organised by the US Chamber of Commerce with Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the US; Anniken Krutnes, Ambassador of Norway to the US and Jean-Arthur Régibeau, Ambassador of Belgium to the US. Throughout the trip, delegates also held high-level meetings with Rohit Chopra, Director, US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Elizabeth Kelly, Special Assistant to President Biden, National Economic Council. 

Membership update: AmCham EU welcomes new member companies

24 Oct 2023
All Committees

We are delighted to announce our membership has grown as Owens Corning and The Walt Disney Company have been approved as new members. We wish a warm welcome to our new members and look forward to working closely on our advocacy efforts in the future.  

Strengthening ties with AmCham Luxembourg

24 Oct 2023
All Committees
Transatlantic

On Wednesday 18 October 2023, Thibaut L’Ortye, Director, Public Affairs, AmCham EU represented the organisation at AmCham Luxembourg’s ‘Transatlantic Trade and Investment’ event. Kicking off the event was Thomas Barrett, US Ambassador to Luxembourg and John Psaila, Managing Partner, Deloitte who both highlighted Luxembourg's historic ties to the US. During his section, Mr L’Ortye presented the results of The Transatlantic Economy 2023 by examining the current state of the EU-US relationship. The study's findings and the breadth of speakers underscore the role of strong ties between government and business in further strengthening the transatlantic relationship.

AmCham EU statement on the outcomes of the EU-US summit

23 Oct 2023
All Committees
Transatlantic

Commenting on the outcomes of the EU-US summit, Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU said: ‘Last week’s summit shows the commitment of EU and US leaders to the transatlantic relationship. In a difficult geopolitical environment, we do not take this level of unity and cooperation for granted and we appreciate the efforts on both sides to address complex issues and trade irritants. However, we are disappointed that the summit was not able to deliver a deal on both a Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminium (GSA) and a Critical Minerals Agreement. It is absolutely essential to reach a resolution by the end of the year. No one would stand to win from going back to a tit-for-tat dispute between the world’s largest trading partners.’

EU-US summit: an opportunity to boost transatlantic cooperation

18 Oct 2023
All Committees
Transatlantic

On Friday, 20 October 2023, EU and US leaders will convene in Washington, DC, for the second EU-US summit under the current Administrations. This is an opportunity to solidify an ambitious transatlantic agenda after both sides intensified their cooperation over the last few years, not least through the Trade and Technology Council. The meeting takes place amidst geopolitical tensions that further highlight the need for EU-US leadership.

A sustainable leap for Belgian industry

17 Oct 2023
All Committees
Environment

On Monday, 16 October, Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU attended the inauguration of Janssen Pharmaceutica's new geothermal power plant in Beerse, Belgium. Speaking at the inauguration was Jan Jambon, Minister-President, Government of Flanders. With the opening of the plant, Janssen Pharmaceutica have become the first company in Belgium to use geothermal energy to heat their plant, resulting in their energy consumption immediately dropping by 30%. Funding for the project came through the European Regional Development Fund showing how the private sector, regional governments and the EU can unite to drive sustainable change.  

Aligning with industry to increase Europe's defence

16 Oct 2023
All Committees
Security, Defence & Space

On Thursday, 12 October, AmCham EU held a roundtable breakfast to discuss the importance of strengthening the EU's defence industry with representatives from the defence sector. Representatives and AmCham EU members took part in an open discussion that was moderated by Lucia López Carasa, Policy Adviser, AmCham EU. From the roundtable, it was clear that the priority should be on remaining open to cooperation with likeminded countries, investing in boosting Europe’s attractiveness and working with American industry to meet the EU's defence capabilities. 

Achieving sustainable healthcare with AmCham Estonia

16 Oct 2023
All Committees
Healthcare

AmCham Estonia hosted their 'Annual Healthcare Conference 2023’ on Tuesday, 11 October, addressing the status of healthcare systems in Estonia. Michael Guterbock, Economist Impact presented the findings of a recent study on healthcare systems in Central and Eastern Europe from Economist Impact and commissioned by AmCham EU. Also speaking at the conference was Riina Sikkut, Minister of Health, Government of Estonia who shared her perspective on what the future holds for Estonian healthcare while underlining how important the life sciences sector is for Estonia's economy. 

Navigating tomorrow: a recap of our 2023 Transatlantic Digital Economy Conference

12 Oct 2023
All Committees
Digital Economy

This year’s Annual Transatlantic Digital Economy Conference ‘The geopolitics of technology’, took place on Tuesday, 10 October 2023. The topic of the conference was on how we can manage the risks associated with emerging technologies and why we need to think globally rather than regionally about the rules governing these new technologies. In a keynote video, Didier Reynders, European Commissioner for Justice, European Commission focused on how Europe can stay ahead on digital affairs and set global standards. We were also joined by Thomas Skordas, Deputy Director-General, Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, European Commission who shared his perspectives on how the transatlantic relationship can play a key role in shaping the rules for technology that benefit everyone. 

Uniting business and government for Ukraine's recovery

6 Oct 2023
All Committees

On Tuesday, 26 September, Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU met with Penny Pritzker, US Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery, together with Mark Gitenstein, US Ambassador to the EU and Frank Heemskerk, Secretary General, European Round Table of Industrialists. The meeting focused on how collaboration between business and government will play a key role in supporting Ukraine’s recovery. Ms Pritzker underlined the commitment of the US to supporting Ukraine and how this could not be achieved without involvement form the private sector. 

Highlighting the benefits of free trade in Strasbourg

6 Oct 2023
All Committees
Trade & External Affairs

From Tuesday 3 October to Thursday, 5 October, AmCham EU’s Trade and External Affairs Committee visited the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France to discuss trade policy and the importance of making progress on key Free Trade Agreements before the end of the current mandate. Meeting with key MEPs such as Bernd Lange MEP (S&D, DE) and Chair, Committee on International Trade, European Parliament, delegates discussed the importance of strengthening transatlantic relations ahead of the next EU-US Trade and Technology Council. By fostering an open and rules-based trade system, Europe can become more attractive and competitive for business. 

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