News

Investing in Europe’s recovery: forging the future

The European Commission put forward its Recovery plan for Europe, setting out an ambitious fiscal stimulus package to build the European society of tomorrow. AmCham EU stands ready to play our part. Our just published paper brings together the expertise of all sectors in trying to find solutions to the current crisis. Out of a very difficult situation also lies the opportunity to build the Europe of tomorrow. Check out our contribution in the areas of green deal, the digital landscape, healthcare, trade and on the completion of the Single Market. Find out more from our 'Investing in Europe's recovery' webpage and download the paper here. 

Stefano Marmo appointed as Vice-President of SEAP's Board

Stefano Marmo, Policy Manager, AmCham EU has been appointed as Vice-President of the Board of the Society of European Affairs Professionals (SEAP). Building on his current role on the Board, Stefano will coordinate the association’s advocacy on the development of the inter-institutional agreement (IIA) on a mandatory Transparency Register.

As a long-standing member of SEAP, AmCham EU fully embodies the organisation’s values of integrity, transparency and accuracy in our advocacy work. AmCham EU has always striven to work to the highest standards of integrity and transparency in its relations with the EU institutions. 

AmCham EU discusses multilateral trade with Ignacio Garcia-Bercero

On Tuesday, 22 September, AmCham EU had the pleasure to host Ignacio Garcia-Bercero, Acting Director for Multilateral Trade Policy, Strategy and Policy Analysis, DG TRADE, European Commission to our trade plenary meeting. The discussion focused on multilateral trade, the future of the WTO, transatlantic trade and China. The conversation was facilitated by Florian Wastl (Mars Inc.), Vice-Chair, Trade & External Affairs Committee, AmCham EU.

State of the Union 2020: Europe’s future is now by Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU

At the beginning of the year, Europe was abounding with optimism – a new year, a new decade, and a newly inaugurated Commission with a fresh, forward-looking mandate. This felt like the year that Europe could finally disengage from crisis mode, and look to the future. A smart, green, carbon neutral economy, with burgeoning industry and prospering society was within Europe’s grasp.  Alas, nine months on, 2020 will go down in history as the annus horribilis of our time. But as the fallout of this latest historic crisis weighs heavily on Europe’s fragile societies, can President von der Leyen inject some much-needed vitality into the economic recovery?

The phasing out of primary batteries is incompatible with Europe’s goal for a carbon neutral economy

On Tuesday, 15 September AmCham EU together with 13 other trade associations signed a statement contesting the restriction of primary batteries in framework of the current revision of the EU Batteries Directive. The signatories strongly support the ambitions of the Green Deal and maintain that the phasing out of primary batteries is incompatible with Europe’s goal for a carbon neutral economy. The statement also highlights that over the last few years, the environmental impact of primary batteries has been consistently decreasing and batteries are now effectively recycled if brought to a collection point. Overall, signatories argue that studies have shown that phasing our primary batteries would only have moderate effects on the amount of waste batteries (-25% by weight) but would bring negative impact on global warming. Read the statement here. 

Help is only a telephone call away!

The past months have been very challenging for many people around the globe. Not only the physical effects but also the mental impact of the pandemic is immense. Since the outbreak, many of us have sadly lost loved ones and friends, who have suffered also both physically and mentally from the impact of COVID-19. Therefore, AmCham EU supports the initiatives taken in the framework of World Suicide Prevention Day.

A donation has been made to https://www.chsbelgium.org/en/ to support those struggling around us, as a sign that they are not alone. CHS operates a Mental Health Services Centre in Brussels, housing an international team of professional therapists who provide support for a comprehensive range of mental health issues. CHS has been supporting the international community of Belgian community regardless of their nationality or circumstances since 1971. No-one should feel that they are alone - help is only a telephone call away.

Invested in Europe: Tackling global hunger

Did you know that 109 million Europeans are at risk of food insecurity as a result of poverty? Herbalife Nutrition, a global leader in nourishment, has set up the Herbalife Nutrition Foundation to tackle the triple threat of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition. Through partnerships with local NGOs, donations of nutrient dense products from its Nutrition range, as well as grants, Herbalife Nutrition is increasing access to healthy foods and nutritional education. Through these actions and more, Herbalife’s Nutrition Foundation had a positive impact on over 10,000 children in Europe in 2019. Read more about Herbalife’s story on our Invested in Europe platform.  

Intellectual Property Action Plan

As the European Union faces unprecedented geopolitical, economic and health challenges, it has become increasingly necessary to identify key pillars that will support not only the economic recovery, but that also pave the way towards EU leadership on the global stage. We believe that intellectual property (IP) is one of these key pillars. A robust IP system based on strong IP rights (IPR) and appropriate enforcement drives European research, manufacturing, employment and innovation and attracts capital to innovative and creative enterprises.

In addition, IP-intensive industries create high-value and long-term jobs. In order to further strengthen European IP protection, AmCham EU wishes to make the following recommendations: complete the Unitary Patents System; strengthen the enforcement of IPR; adapt the EU framework to an increasingly digital ecosystem; and modernise the EU design legislation. AmCham EU looks forward to continuing the dialogue with EU policymakers on the IP Action Plan. Find out more details from our consultation response. 

Legislative framework for the governance of common European data spaces

AmCham EU shares the European Commission’s vision that common European data spaces will create an enabling environment where market participants feel empowered to share, re-use data and be in control of their data. At the heart of the proposed data spaces are the users, who need certainty that their data is handled in a responsible manner. The success of the EU data strategy depends on establishing data governance mechanisms and structures that foster an open and inclusive approach, built on responsible and values-driven data sharing.

We are convinced there is an opportunity to develop a better culture of data sharing in Europe, and that ultimately this will contribute to boosting the EU data economy. AmCham EU and our members are committed to continuing the dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders on the essential role of data in domains of public interest and for the EU economy. For more details on our position, read our consultation response here.