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High-level transatlantic dialogue with the cabinet of President von der Leyen

7 Feb 2023
All Committees

On Friday, 3 February, the AmCham EU Board of Directors met for the first time in 2023, meeting with Tomas Baert, Trade Adviser, Cabinet of President Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission. The discussion was timely and wide-ranging, touching on pressing issues including the EU's response to the Inflation Reduction Act, the war in Ukraine, European economic resilience and competitiveness and the outlook for the transatlantic relationship in 2023. Conversations like these are what keep the transatlantic relationship strong in the face of shared challenges.  

The Swedish Presidency and the twin transition

7 Feb 2023
All Committees

Sweden is uniquely positioned to lead the EU through a new phase of the twin transition, having assumed the presidency of the Council of the European Union. Investments in digital adoption and innovation can grow the European economy, while environmental protections and sustainable technologies can bolster its resiliency. The Swedish Presidency should work with the Council, the institutions and like-minded international partners to advance the EU's sustainability and digital transition goals. Read more in our recommendations to the Swedish Presidency.  

Supporting those hit by devastating earthquakes

6 Feb 2023
All Committees

On Monday, catastrophic earthquakes hit parts of Türkiye and northern Syria. As the death toll continues to rise and many are still missing, our thoughts go out to the families of the victims, the communities who have been devastated as well as the rescue teams.

Rebuilding the f-gas regulation

2 Feb 2023
Environment

The Flourinated Gases (F-gases) Regulation is one of the EU's most successful pieces of climate legislation, and American industry supports the long-term goal of reducing F-gas emissions 98% by 2050. To continue to reduce emissions, the Commission should consider a more workable proposal that avoids market disruption by clearly defining F-gases restrictions. Read more in our position paper.   

Celebrating 60 years of transatlantic advocacy

2 Feb 2023
All Committees

All through 2023, AmCham EU is celebrating 60 years of advocating for American companies committed to Europe. In the decades since the first meeting of the organisation’s forerunner, the Common Market Panel, it has evolved to include over 160 members and a network of decision-makers and stakeholders that extends from Brussels and the European capitals all the way to Washington, DC and beyond. However, what has not changed in those years is AmCham EU’s mission: building a more united EU and a stronger transatlantic relationship.

Financing the future of healthcare

1 Feb 2023
Healthcare

To meet the needs of patients, we must reimagine health system financing models. The social health insurance model, which relies on employment-based contributions, is not sustainable during times of economic downturn, rising unemployment and ageing populations. Falling back on out-of-pocket payments only stands to worsen the health outcomes of the most vulnerable. While no single model will solve all the problems, governments should lean toward providing universal access to healthcare to broaden healthcare accessibility and reduce the burden on patients. For more on reimagining healthcare financing for the future, read our report in partnership with Economist Impact.  

Discussing the EU-US relationship after the Inflation Reduction Act

30 Jan 2023
All Committees
Transatlantic

How can the EU and US deepen economic ties after the implementation of the US Inflation Reduction Act? Several experts, including our own Thibaut L'Ortye, Director of Public Affairs, AmCham EU, explored this and more during the panel Cooperation or Competition? The EU's response to the Inflation Reduction Act hosted by DeHavilland EU. L’Ortye emphasised that now is not the time for transatlantic trade tensions, and that instead the EU and US should look to build on one another's strengths and work toward a coordinated, clean technology supply chain.  

What does 2023 have in store for the EU and the world?

30 Jan 2023
All Committees

To ring in the new year, AmCham EU hosted a discussion on what 2023 has in store for the EU and the world. The meeting featured a panel of Stefan Grobe, Brussels Correspondent, Euronews, Kim Mackarel, Reporter, The Wall Street Journal and Kevin Whitelaw, Brussels Bureau Chief, Bloomberg, who explored the news stories they believed would dominate the headlines in 2023. Following the panel was a seated luncheon, where members and stakeholders gathered to listen to a keynote by Fabian Zuleeg, CEO, European Policy Centre. Zuleeg gave his perspective on how corporate leadership can help address the current challenges of our time. 

Thriving together: uniting in the face of global challenges  | Transatlantic 2023

Thriving together: uniting in the face of global challenges

27 Jan 2023
All Committees

In the face of looming uncertainty, the EU and the US must unite to overcome complex and intertwined global challenges. Through the Trade and Technology Council, cooperation on both sides of the Atlantic is picking up steam. However, with war ravaging Ukraine and the ongoing energy crisis, the external environment remains difficult. Join our Transatlantic Conference 2023 and dive into the issues that are top of mind for those invested in the EU-US relationship.

Two years later: Brexit’s impact on US companies in Europe

26 Jan 2023
EU-UK

It’s been two years since the UK left the EU’s legal and institutional framework and along with it, the Single Market, the Customs Union and a host of other economic, scientific, educational and social initiatives. But for many companies on both sides on the Channel, the impacts of Brexit aren’t yet history. AmCham EU’s latest blog post explores how member companies are coping with the new scenario and what they need from the EU and the UK governments to move forward and reduce trade friction.  

Celebrating International Customs Day

26 Jan 2023
Customs & Trade Facilitation

To mark the 70th anniversary of International Customs Day, AmCham EU is reaffirming its commitment to compliant, effective and efficient international trade. Educating and training the next generation of customs officials will be crucial for preserving the longevity of the global free trade system. 2023 is set to be a pivotal year for the future of customs for the European Union, and AmCham EU looks forward to close collaboration with the Commission and Member States on proposals to build a modern, global customs environment.  

Digital Operational Resilience in the European Union

25 Jan 2023
Digital Economy
Financial Services

Businesses require clarity and consistency to properly and effectively adopt strong cybersecurity standards. The EU's new Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) takes these principles seriously as they apply to cybersecurity rules for financial services companies and their Information and Communication Technology (ICT) service providers, yet further progress must be made. For DORA to be successful, policymakers must avoid conflicting requirements with other pieces of cybersecurity legislation and clarify certain definitions to ensure legal certainty.  

5 policy areas to watch in 2023

23 Jan 2023
All Committees

For Europe and the world, 2022 was a tumultuous year. The undercurrents of uncertainty that defined last year have not disappeared – Russia's war on Ukraine, higher energy prices, looming trade tensions and the prospect of economic slowdown will continue to be top of mind for businesses, consumers and policymakers across the continent. With a busy year ahead, here are our top five policy areas to focus on in 2023.    

Investing in a healthier economy

23 Jan 2023
Healthcare

There are few investments more worth making than one for your health. In our latest study, we analysed eight countries in central and eastern Europe and found that, by all measures, lower healthcare spending leads to poorer health outcomes. As populations age and the economy continues to recover, policymakers should view greater healthcare expenditures as a necessary investment in economic growth and health system resiliency. Closing the gap between central and eastern European countries and their western European counterparts must be a priority for national governments – for the health of their citizens and economies.  

Joint business statement on the due diligence proposal

19 Jan 2023

Developing more sustainable supply chains is essential to the spirit of the public-private partnerships that underline the EU's green transition. To that effect, AmCham EU, along with 26 industry associations, supports a realistic, workable and proportionate due diligence directive. Adopting clear guidance, a risk-based approach and, most importantly, harmonising legal clauses will be key to building the best EU due diligence framework. Read the full joint business statement here.  

Supporting inclusive workplaces

17 Jan 2023
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Consumers, citizens and businesses all benefit when workplaces are equitable, accessible and inclusive. That's why AmCham EU has recently donated over €3,000 to 65 degrés, a restaurant driving change by employing people with disabilities. In December, AmCham EU hosted a high-level lunch featuring a keynote from Helena Dalli, European Commissioner for Equality, at the restaurant as part of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion event series. Learn more about how our members are working towards equality in our Uniting for diversity campaign.  

Reviving resilience: cybersecurity for products in the digital age

16 Jan 2023
Digital Economy

As the European economy digitalises, cybersecurity challenges, including the threat of cyber-attacks, grow more serious. Many products are now made with digital elements, meaning more products across supply chains can be targeted by malicious activity. To ensure market confidence, it is fundamental that the European Commission, with their Cyber Resilience Act, consider industry concerns and enhance the security of products in their early design and development phases. Read our latest position on the Cyber Resilience Act proposal for our recommendations to improve and clarify this critical piece of legislation.  

Recommendations to the Swedish Presidency

13 Jan 2023
All Committees

On 1 January 2023, Sweden took over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which comes at a difficult time for the EU and the world. The volatility of the external environment is a serious concern for American companies in Europe, alongside the war in Ukraine, the energy and food crises, staggering inflation levels and the disruption of global supply chains. The Swedish Presidency takes on a critical task in supporting the development of an outward-looking industrial strategy in Europe, one that relies on the twin digital and green transitions.

Sign the pledge, EMPOWER HER

11 Jan 2023
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Is your company empowering women? EMPOWER HER, the AmCham EU initiative in partnership with the US Department of Commerce, looks to uplift the role of women and girls in international trade and business. Many of AmCham EU’s members are already taking steps to advance a more diverse and inclusive workplace, and signing the declaration puts these commitments in writing. Learn more about the initiative here and sign the declaration today! With any questions, please reach out to Lucia Lopez Carasa, Associate Policy Adviser (LLO@amchameu.eu).  

Three resolutions for 2023

9 Jan 2023
All Committees

Whether you ate 12 grapes at midnight, watched the ball drop in Times Square or went to sleep early, a fresh year is upon us, brimming with new possibilities – and old challenges. This year and those to come will be defined by how we choose to address our common challenges. In the spirit of building a more hopeful 2023, AmCham EU has a few suggestions on how to make this year brighter than the last: build a more united Europe, accelerate the twin transitions and strengthen the transatlantic relationship. Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU shares more on our three resolutions for 2023

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