News

WTO ministerial: multilateralism remains critical but needs to deliver further results

The Twelfth Ministerial Conference (MC12) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) concluded on Friday, 17 June 2022. The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) applauds the WTO and its Member States for reaching outcomes against a challenging geopolitical backdrop. Consensus was found on several issues, including food security, pandemic response, fishing subsidies, the moratorium on import duties for e-commerce and, most importantly, the reform of the WTO.

24-hour Relay for Life

For 24 hours over Saturday, 18 June and Sunday, 19 June, the AmCham EU team campaigned and raised funds for the fight against cancer at the annual Relay for Life at the St Johns International School in Waterloo. Cancer is a disease that touches all of our lives, and staying on the track for a whole day represents a small tribute to the perseverance of cancer patients and their loved ones. AmCham EU also walked in memory of our dear former colleague Andreas Galanakis. We're still collecting donations here for those who wish to contribute.

2022 EU Job Fair: discussing careers in policy

On Monday, 13 June, Alex Buyruk, Policy Adviser, AmCham EU spoke on the ‘Careers in Policy’ panel at the 2022 EU Job Fair. The discussion focussed on the importance of variety in building a professional profile as well as the differences in working in the private and public sectors. The panel was joined by Dimitar Lilkov, Senior Research Officer, Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies; David Osimo, Director of Research, Lisbon Council; Ionela Maria Ciolan, Policy Analyst, Transatlantic Alumni Network; Laura Kaun, Policy and Campaigns Officer, European Women’s Lobby; and Andrea Carta, Legal Strategist, Greenpeace. 

MC12: the ingredients to make it a success

After being postponed last December due to rising COVID-19 rates, the twelfth Ministerial Conference of the WTO will take place in Geneva between 12-15 June. The Ministerial will take place under challenging and divisive circumstances, including the remaining effects of the COVID pandemic and the devastation caused by the war in Ukraine. These and other issues will make it difficult for the Ministerial to make progress towards an agreed common statement. Regardless, as US business in Europe, we emphasise the importance of the WTO as a pillar of the rules-based multilateral trading system and a stabiliser and unifier for international trade.

Simona Popa sits down with the Martens Centre at #EPPRotterdam

Taking a step away from the action of the EPP Congress in Rotterdam, Simona Popa (InterDigital), Vice-Chair, European Parliament Outreach Task Force, AmCham EU, sat down with Margherita Movarelli, Head of Communications and Marketing, Martens Centre, to discuss the future of the transatlantic relationship. The discussion was part of a series of sideline events hosted by the EPP's political foundation and think tank during the party Congress. Simona Popa explained that while the transatlantic relationship is strong, based on unified values and economic ties, more ambition is needed from leaders on both sides of the Atlantic to solve shared challenges. Watch the full interview for more.

Checking in from #EPPRotterdam

Last week a delegation from AmCham EU’s European Parliament Outreach Task Force attended the 27th EPP Party Congress in Rotterdam, Netherlands from Tuesday, 31 May to Wednesday, 1 June. The Congress was highlighted by the election of Manfred Weber as the next EPP President, who takes over the role from Donald Tusk. The delegation had the pleasure of speaking with many party members during the two days including Donald Tusk, former President of the EPP; Roberta Metsola, MEP (EPP, MT) and President of the European Parliament; Simona Busuttil, Secretary General, EPP Group and many more influential guests including other MEPs, Commissioners, Prime Ministers and Member State politicians.

AmCham EU hosts Don Graves, US Deputy Secretary of Commerce

On Friday, 3 June, AmCham EU hosted Don Graves, Deputy Secretary of Commerce, US Department of Commerce for an insightful in-person meeting as the last stop on his visit to Europe. The topics discussed included export controls, the war in Ukraine, semiconductors and the EMPOWER HER initiative. The discussion centered around a recognition of the importance of investing in a global multilateral system based on shared norms and values. For example, international bodies dealing with standardisation are an area where there is a need for the EU and US to work together to advance their common positions.

AmCham EU elects new Member-at-Large of the Board

AmCham EU would like to congratulate Fiona Taylor (Verizon), who has been elected as the new Member-at-Large (corporate) of the Board of Directors for a two-year term. We welcome Fiona to her new role, and look forward to working with her. The election is following the upcoming end of the term of outgoing Board member Claudia Selli (AT&T). AmCham EU expresses our sincere thanks for her valuable contribution to the Board over the last three years. The official handover will take place at the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 28 June.

AmCham EU would also like to thank every candidate for standing and for the thought, energy and effort that went into the campaigns and presentations. We look forward to all candidates continuing to be engaged actively at AmCham EU.

Foreign subsidies regulation: key EU trade and investment partners raise concerns

AmCham EU, together with business groups representing key EU trade and investment partners, issued a joint statement expressing concern at significant elements of the proposed Regulation on foreign subsides and calling for amendments to the text. While the proposal rightfully seeks to address those non-EU subsidies which risk distorting the EU internal market, it could inadvertently impact international companies whose home jurisdiction shares Europe’s open market principles.