News

Reset, refresh, rekindle: for a new approach to the transatlantic relationship

Opinion by Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU

As from 20 January 2021, President Joe Biden has taken office as the 46th President of the United States. The election itself saw the greatest voter turnout in the history of the US. This was an important reaffirmation of democracy. In the aftermath of this most fiercely contested election, the shocking and disturbing scenes from the Capitol Building on the day of the certification of the election results will serve as a reminder to President Biden that his principal task must now be to unify the country, alongside mapping the path to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Uniting for diversity: empowering girls through play

As the original girl empowerment brand, Barbie’s purpose is to inspire limitless potential in every girl. For this reason, Mattel has defined diversity and inclusion as a key component of its brand DNA. With its diverse range of dolls, Barbie aims to show young girls positive role models from all walks of life. Check out our video with Isabel Ferrer, Marketing Director EMEA, Mattel to learn more about the company’s contribution to a more inclusive society.

AmCham EU responds to impact assessment on medicines for children and rare diseases

AmCham EU responded to the recent inception impact assessment on the revision of the EU legislation on medicines for children and rare diseases. In the response we encouraged the European Commission to protect frameworks that stimulate R&D, to build on the EU’s strengths and to incorporate learning from other regions. Read the full response here.

EU-UK deal marks beginning of new partnership

Brussels, 24 December 2020 - Today, the EU and the UK have reached an agreement on the terms of their future relationship. This deal is a fundamental building block towards a strong and ambitious partnership across the Channel that we trust will continue to develop in the future.

Global business community calls on EU to safeguard international data flows

The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) joins a wide-ranging coalition of industry groups in a call to the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) and the European Commission to ensure much-needed legal certainty around data flows in and outside of the European Union. 

‘International data flows are an integral pillar of global trade, and any disruption to their free flow constitutes a major challenge to every economic sector,’ the groups wrote in a letter sent on Monday, 21 December. ‘The recent developments following the Schrems II judgment in the European Union are creating deep uncertainty throughout the world, as the wide geographic variety of co-signatories to this statement demonstrates.’

Uniting for diversity: integrating people into the workplace

At selected manufacturing plants in Spain, CNH Industrial has implemented its ‘ENCLAVE LABORAL’ initiative to integrate people with physical and cognitive impairments into the manufacturing area. The project has been a real success in demonstrating that workers with disabilities can perform just as well as their able-bodied colleagues on the factory floor. It has also been a highly impactful initiative for the employees themselves. Check out our video with personnel from CNH Industrial’s IVECO Madrid plant to learn more about the company’s contribution to a more inclusive society.

Business concerns vis-à-vis Turkish additional customs duties

AmCham EU wishes to raise to the European Council and European Commission our concerns vis-à-vis the additional customs duties (ACDs) implemented by Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Turkey has been imposing and increasing ACDs in April and May 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on a wide range of products. AmCham EU is committed to open trade and trade liberalisation measures as a matter of principle. In these challenging times, trade must remain free to help usher in economic recovery and restore broad-based prosperity. Read our position here.

Enabling Europe’s digital future through education

The COVID-19 crisis has unveiled the critical importance of digital literacy, skills and capacity at all levels of education and training and for all levels of digital skills. Enabling digital education though adequate infrastructure and equipment as well as supporting the growth of a holistic set of digital skills are fundamental steps to ensure that EU citizens are equipped to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. AmCham EU is committed to playing a role in fostering digital skills and improving opportunities for education and training for all in Europe. Read our position paper on ‘Enabling Europe’s digital future through education’ here.

Investing in Europe's recovery: Read our sectoral recommendations

Over six months ago, the European Commission put forward its Recovery Plan for Europe; an unprecedented initiative to help kickstart the economy and build the European society of tomorrow. AmCham EU remains committed to playing our part. Our guiding principles and priorities for Europe’s future remain focused on the transition towards a greener, more digital and more resilient economy. Check out our back-to-basics sectoral recommendations in the areas of the Green Deal, digital, multilateralism, healthcare, along with a fair and inclusive recovery here.