New EU industrial strategy: Single Market is key to economic recovery

On Wednesday, 5 May, the European Commission put forward its revised industrial strategy, responding to the devastating impact of the COVID-19 crisis and the urgency to tackle the digital and green transitions. It outlines how the EU plans to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of the Single Market in the global economy.

News
4 May 2021
New EU industrial strategy: Single Market is key to economic recovery

As the voice of large investors in the EU, the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) fully supports an approach focused on advancing the Single Market agenda. It remains the primary driver of foreign direct investment into the European economy. However, this strategy will only be successful if both the Commission and Member States can work together to overcome its fragmentation. Inconsistent implementation and lack of enforcement continue to prevent the Single Market from functioning properly.

As the EU looks toward economic recovery following the crisis, the focus should now turn toward the implementation of the national recovery and resilience plans. While more Member States still have to submit their plans, it is critical for the process to pick up speed and ensure timely access to the funds. Incentivising public and private investment in cutting-edge technologies is key to enabling sustainable recovery and long-term growth.

The strategy provides an outward-looking definition of the concept of ‘open strategic autonomy’. It underlines the importance of close alliances with like-minded partners, such as the United States, to address common issues. Both transatlantic and global cooperation will be critical to the success of the EU’s industrial strategy, in particular when it comes to defining the future rules and standards of the global economy. AmCham EU stands ready to contribute actively to these efforts.

Related items

News
12 Nov 2026

Keeping Europe open and competitive with our Executive Council

Predictability in EU-US relations and Europe’s competitiveness agenda, from simplification to European preference, were centre stage during our Executive Council Fall Plenary on Monday, 9 and Tuesday, 10 November. Our senior business leaders met with EU, US, Canadian and Member State policymakers, as well as industry and think-tank leaders, to discuss the pressures shaping investment decisions in Europe.

The group engaged with the following: Nerijus Aleksiejūnas, Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the European Union; Enrico Letta, President of the Jacques Delors Institute; Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, European Commission; Andrew Puzder, Ambassador of the United States to the European Union; Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy; Sir Jonathan Symonds, President of the European Round Table for Industry and Chair of GSK and Jonathan Wilkinson, Ambassador of Canada to the European Union. 

Throughout the two days, exchanges explored how to maintain momentum on Single Market integration, deliver meaningful regulatory simplification and strengthen the role of industry in developing skills and creating quality jobs. Discussions also touched on the changing international trade landscape, the importance of EU-US cooperation and the priorities that will shape the upcoming Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Learn more about our Executive Council here. 

Simplification
Transatlantic
Read more
Read more about Keeping Europe open and competitive with our Executive Council
Position Paper
10 Nov 2026

Making web scraping rules work for AI

The European Data Protection Board’s draft guidelines on web scraping for generative AI are an opportunity to provide greater legal certainty and support Europe’s AI competitiveness. However, some proposed requirements risk creating disproportionate burdens for AI developers.

A pragmatic, risk-based approach is needed to ensure the rules reflect the technical realities of AI development. This includes proportionate transparency obligations, recognition of the need for diverse training datasets and greater alignment with the AI Act and Digital Omnibus. Clear, harmonised rules are essential to protect personal data while enabling innovation.

Read our consultation response to learn more about the recommendations.

Digital
Read more
Read more about Making web scraping rules work for AI
News
9 Nov 2026

Discussing EU-US trade after the midterms with KAS and BDI

On Thursday, 5 November, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU, spoke at a discussion hosted by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Europe and the Federation of German Industries (BDI) on EU-US trade relations after the US midterms. Mr Lohan stressed that elections change the conversation, though not necessarily the outcomes. While the midterms shift power on Capitol Hill, he was not sure this would extend to transatlantic relations, certainly not in the short term. He noted the Turnberry Agreement has brought much-needed predictability, but the relationship remains volatile, with flashpoints ahead that could put stability at risk. The agreement should be solidified and built on, with a move from strategic autonomy to strategic complementarity that will resonate in Washington. Exploring new avenues for partnering where interests align is worthwhile for a $9.8 trillion relationship that employs over 16 million people on both sides of the Atlantic. Learn more about the latest EU-US trade developments in the Transatlantic Economy Pulse.

Transatlantic
Read more
Read more about Discussing EU-US trade after the midterms with KAS and BDI