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On Tuesday, 24 March, AmCham EU hosted Leopoldo Rubinacci, Deputy Director-General, Directorate-General for Trade, European Commission, to discuss the changing landscape of transatlantic trade in a context of rising protectionism and uncertainty. The meeting was timely as Transatlantic stakeholders eagerly wait for the European Parliament vote on Thursday, 26 March, on the EU-US framework agreement. Mr Rubinacci was positive that MEPs will support the agreement and that this will allow the EU-US to move forward. The discussion also looked at differences in areas such as tariffs, industrial policy and market access, and how these affect businesses operating across the Atlantic. Mr Rubinacci highlighted the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation to manage these challenges and avoid further disruption to global trade.

The EU’s digital regulatory landscape has expanded significantly in recent years. While the creation of these rules pursues important objectives, their interaction has not always been fully aligned, creating legal uncertainty and increased compliance burdens for businesses.  

The European Commission’s proposals for a Digital Omnibus and the Digital Omnibus on AI Regulation Proposal (AI Omnibus) both offer opportunities to improve coherence across the EU’s digital rulebook while supporting Europe’s competitiveness in the digital economy. Both initiatives represent a positive step forward, but further refinements will be needed to ensure they fully deliver on their objectives while maintaining high standards for safety and fundamental rights. 

The AI Omnibus focuses on the AI Act, while the Digital Omnibus addresses broader elements of the digital acquis, including data and cybersecurity legislation. Together, they aim to reduce fragmentation and streamline obligations across multiple frameworks. Explore below how these proposals can better support innovation and competitiveness in Europe.

On Wednesday, March 18, AmCham EU co-organised the AmChams in Europe Brussels Doorknock. Hosted at AmCham EU’s offices, the programme brought together representatives from AmChams across Europe for meetings with EU policymakers and stakeholders in Brussels. 

The group met with Jakob Wegener Friis, Chief Economic Advisor to the President of the European Council; Didrik de Schaetzen, Secretary General, ALDE Party, European Parliament; Klaus Welle, Special Advisor to the Commissioner for Defense and Space and Chairman, Academic Council, Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies and Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Executive and Chief Economist, European Policy Centre. 

The European Parliament’s International Trade (INTA) Committee vote to approve the Commission’s tariff reduction proposals keeps the implementation of the July 2025 EU-US Framework Agreement on track. This vote was a critical signal that the EU intends to stick to its side of the deal, just as we expect the US to uphold theirs.

AmCham EU now calls for the European Parliament to adopt these proposals in a plenary vote at the earliest possible opportunity. The transatlantic commercial relationship is worth $9.8 trillion, with $6.4 billion in goods and services exchanged between Europe and the US every day. Predictability on the rules and costs of trading across the Atlantic is essential for planning, investment and jobs.

AmCham EU is opposed to broad-based tariffs. We understand MEPs’ caution in a volatile transatlantic political environment and have called for the US administration to provide greater clarity on its tariff policy. However, given political priorities on both sides, we still see the EU-US Framework Agreement as the most realistic path to securing a more constructive EU-US trade and investment climate that helps businesses plan ahead.

Beyond tariffs, the Framework Agreement offers a platform for deeper EU-US cooperation on shared priorities, including critical minerals supply chains, addressing nonmarket practices and strengthening cybersecurity. Today’s vote paves the way for the next phase of that agenda.

On Tuesday, 17 March, AmCham EU hosted its Transatlantic Dinner, bringing together AmCham EU senior members, selected partners and representatives from the European institutions  for an exchange with Andrew Puzder, US Ambassador to the EU and Vsevolod Chentsov, Ukrainian Ambassador to the EU. 

Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU, opened the evening by reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to building a strong Europe and strengthening transatlantic ties. Liam Benham (Boeing), Chair, AmCham EU, highlighted the challenging environment for businesses amid economic and political uncertainty, while underscoring the resilience of the transatlantic economy, now valued at $9.8 trillion. He emphasised the importance of predictability, a competitive Europe and an open investment environment to support growth. 

The discussion also highlighted the role of business in supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery, as well as the importance of continued cooperation between the EU and US to strengthen economic ties and address shared challenges. 

At a time of growing economic uncertainty and geopolitical fragmentation, this year’s Transatlantic Conference delivered a clear message: the EU-US partnership remains indispensable, but it must adapt. From trade and competitiveness to innovation and security, discussions throughout the day underscored that closer cooperation is essential to sustain growth and shape global standards. While differences persist, rebuilding trust, simplifying the regulatory environment and maintaining open dialogue will be critical to unlocking the full potential of the transatlantic relationship.  

Crossed wires: how to reconnect transatlantic ties?, explored how policymakers and industry can restore momentum in the relationship and cooperate to tackle new realities. Discussions focused on the future of transatlantic trade, Europe’s competitiveness, the role of lawmakers and how trust between partners can be reinforced.