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‘Braking’ carbon dependency in Italy

12 Feb 2025
All committees

As Europe accelerates its green transition, Wabtec Corporation is leading by example at its Piossasco plant near Turin, Italy. The facility, which specialises in braking systems and air-handling components, has significantly reduced its carbon footprint. In 2024, solar energy met 64% of its energy needs, up from 29% in 2023. The site also enhances biodiversity by planting 500 trees, maintaining beehives for air quality monitoring and collecting rainwater for irrigation. These initiatives earned the Piossasco team recognition at Wabtec’s 2024 Sustainability Awards, underscoring its leadership in sustainable innovation. Learn more on Invested in Europe. 

Compulsory licensing of patents

12 Feb 2025
All committees

The EU’s proposed Compulsory Licensing Regulation risks mandating the disclosure of sensitive information, potentially harming innovators and undermining global efforts to counter forced tech transfers. Companies also need independent judicial oversight and narrowly tailored licensing that would safeguard IP rights and investor confidence. Learn why policymakers must address these issues to ensure a balanced IP framework.

Green Claims Landing Zones

12 Feb 2025
All committees
Agriculture & Food
Environment

The Green Claims Directive must create a framework that promotes transparency without piling on unnecessary burdens for businesses. This includes recognising international labels, allowing carbon offsetting claims to support net-zero goals and avoiding sweeping bans on products that safely manage hazardous substances. Streamlining verification processes and providing clear legal guidelines will also help reduce red tape. By addressing these issues, the Directive can drive real sustainability while keeping businesses competitive.

American business in Europe remains opposed to US steel and aluminium tariffs

11 Feb 2025
All committees

Earlier this week, President Trump announced his decision to impose 25% tariffs on all US steel and aluminium imports, which will target the EU directly. This is a decision that the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) opposed in 2018 and opposes again today. US tariffs on EU imports of steel and aluminium will have a wide-reaching and overwhelmingly negative impact on jobs, prosperity and security on both sides of the Atlantic. The damage will extend beyond just the steel and aluminium sectors, impacting all businesses that rely on these materials throughout the supply chain. 

Clarifying EU export control guidelines for cloud computing services

10 Feb 2025
All committees
Digital Economy

On Monday, 10 February, AmCham EU hosted a roundtable spotlighting the complexities surrounding EU export control guidelines for cloud computing services. Participants discussed key issues including the definition of an ‘export’ in the context of cloud-based dual-use technologies and the role of cloud users in compliance. The unclear application of the ‘Dual-Use Regulation’ on cloud computing services risks creating divergent interpretations across Member States, threatening the EU’s harmonisation goals and limiting access to critical. The exchange highlighted the need for clear, consistent guidelines to ensure the EU remains competitive while safeguarding security and promoting innovation. 

The Omnibus package: a critical opportunity for Europe’s future

10 Feb 2025
All committees

Europe’s heavy regulatory burden remains a key concern for transatlantic business, with 84% of our members citing it as a major barrier. The first Omnibus package presents a critical opportunity to deliver a meaningful approach to simplification, setting the blueprint for future efforts. Without immediate, bold action, the EU risks losing business confidence and investment, jeopardising its linked economic and sustainability goals. By simplifying sustainability and due diligence regulations, the Omnibus package can reduce business’ regulatory burden and enhance Europe’s attractiveness for investment. Simplification should not mean deregulation. Rather, simplification should ensure the EU's sustainability and due diligence goals are met in a manner that is predictable and practical for companies. The path forward for reducing regulatory burdens and strengthening Europe's competitiveness is clear: now is the time for action. 

A digital future for all

5 Feb 2025
All committees

With a global shortage of nearly 4 million cybersecurity professionals, the EU aims to upskill 20 million information and communication technology  specialists by 2030. In response, Cisco has committed to training 250,000 people in cybersecurity skills by 2026 through its Networking Academy. By 2024, it had already trained 224,000 individuals, strengthening Europe’s digital resilience. Cisco also champions diversity, offering scholarships for women in Spain, supporting the European CyberCup and training 9,000 Ukrainian refugees in Poland. Committed to long-term impact, Cisco will continue working with partners across Europe to bridge the skills gap and foster an inclusive digital future. Learn more on Invested in Europe. 

Meeting with Commissioner Dombrovskis on regulatory simplification

4 Feb 2025
All committees

On Monday, 3 February, AmCham EU met with Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification. The focus of the meeting was to underscore the urgency of regulatory simplification through the Omnibus simplification package. With 84% of our membership citing regulatory burdens as their top challenge for doing business in Europe, the need for action is clear. The Omnibus represents a crucial opportunity to reduce the regulatory burden, restore business confidence in the EU and establish a clear roadmap for future policy. 

Connecting with the newly arrived APAs

4 Feb 2025
All committees

To mark the arrival of the newly arrived Accredited Parliamentary Assistants (APAs) in Brussels, AmCham EU hosted a reception on Monday, 3 February. The event provided a platform for our members to engage with the APAs, exchange insights and foster connections. As Parliamentary staff, APAs play an invaluable role in laying the groundwork for Europe’s future. Their work shapes much of what we discuss in Brussels. Sarah Lenczner (Qualcomm), Vice-Chair of AmCham EU’s European Parliament Outreach Task Force and Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU, opened the evening by welcoming attendees and highlighting the role of public-private partnerships in shaping effective policymaking. Thank you to Mondelēz International, MSD and Qualcomm for sponsoring the event. 

Enhancing clarity on export controls in cloud computing

4 Feb 2025
All committees
Digital Economy

The unclear application of the ‘Dual-Use Regulation’ on cloud computing services risks creating different interpretations and significant divergences across Member States. This threatens the EU’s harmonisation goals while limiting access to benefits such as improved security, cost savings and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning – technologies that can play a key role in monitoring compliance and detecting potential export control violations. By developing detailed guidance in line with the these recommendations, the Commission can clarify how export controls apply to the context of cloud computing.

US business in Europe cautions against potential EU-US trade tit-for-tat

3 Feb 2025
All committees

The US administration is moving forward with the implementation of 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and 10% on China. This decision has sparked concerns from the business community around the world. The US Chamber of Commerce has highlighted why these ‘unprecedented’ tariffs are not the answer to the problems the administration seeks to address as well as the associated economic risks (full statement).   

Cooperating on Ukraine’s reconstruction

2 Feb 2025
All committees
Ukraine Task Force

How can American business in Europe accelerate Ukraine’s reconstruction? That was what AmCham EU discussed with Ambassador Davide La Cecilia, Italian Special Envoy for the Reconstruction of Ukraine on Friday, 31 January. Mr La Cecilia also gave insights on how Italy’s presidency of the G7 in 2024 helped in supporting Ukraine. Finally, the discussion turned to Italy’s priorities for the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference, to be held in Rome later this year. The meeting highlighted the crucial role transatlantic cooperation can play in supporting Ukraine and its people.  

Engaging with the Japanese Ambassador to the EU

31 Jan 2025
All committees

On Friday, 31 January, AmCham EU’s Board of Directors welcomed Kazutoshi Aikawa, Japanese Ambassador to the EU. He was joined by Akie Hoshikawa, First Secretary and Tetsuya Uetake, Counsellor, Economic Section, Mission of Japan to the EU. The discussions covered a range of issues, particularly around the current geopolitical conditions and how our members can work with counterparts in Japan. The discussion also highlighted areas for continued collaboration on shared priorities between American business in Europe and Japan.

Turning today’s students into tomorrow’s engineers

29 Jan 2025
All committees

GE Aerospace is stepping in to make sure Europe has the workforce it needs for the years ahead. In partnership with the Perspektywy Education Foundation, it expanded its Next Engineers programme to Warsaw, Poland in January 2025 to increase the diversity of young people  pursuing careers in engineering. It aims to enrol 4,000 students over four years between the ages of 13 and 18. With hands-on activities, immersive camps and a three-year academy, the programme fosters engineering skills while promoting diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. Learn more on Invested in Europe. 

Industry calls for the withdrawal of the AI Liability Directive

29 Jan 2025
All committees
Digital Economy

EU policymakers must withdraw the AI Liability Directive in order to avoid adding unnecessary complexity and uncertainty to Europe’s artificial intelligence (AI) regulatory landscape. With the recently passed Product Liability Directive already expanding liability rules to AI, AmCham EU is joining the call with other industry associations in warning that additional, overlapping measures on AI would hinder innovation and disrupt established business practices. Policymakers should instead focus on regulatory simplification, in line with the Draghi Report on Competitiveness. Learn how a clear framework for AI can support innovation and Europe’s competitiveness in the joint statement.

Connecting with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

29 Jan 2025
All committees

On the evening of Tuesday, 28 January, we had the pleasure of co-hosting a reception with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as part of their delegation to Brussels. The event brought together business representatives, policymakers and key stakeholders for an engaging and insightful evening. Marjorie Chorlins, Senior Vice-President, European Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU opened the event with brief remarks, setting the tone for a fruitful exchange of ideas. 

What will make the headlines in 2025?

29 Jan 2025
All committees

On Tuesday, 28 January, AmCham EU held its first plenary meeting of the year discussing the stories that will make the headlines in 2025.  Our panel of journalists covered a range of issues, including the new US administration, climate policies and the evolving transatlantic relationship. Afterwards Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Executive and Chief Economist, European Policy Centre, joined us and spoke about the geopolitical pressures impacting Europe. 

Moving the needle on competitiveness

29 Jan 2025
All committees

Commenting on the Competitiveness Compass presented, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU, said: 'The Compass confirms the Commission’s intent to tackle the EU’s competitiveness gap, in particular the regulatory burden. Whether or not this moves the needle will only become clear once the roadmap is translated into concrete action. There is no time to waste.

Advocating for transatlantic investment in Strasbourg

27 Jan 2025
All committees

From Tuesday, 21 to Thursday, 23 January, AmCham EU visited the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France to speak with key MEPs working on investment in the EU. With nine in ten American companies in Europe anticipating a worsening EU-US trade and investment relationship, it is critical that we remove barriers to doing business in the region. While regulation can encourage fairness and innovation in Europe, in excess, it can create unnecessary administrative burdens and hinder the private sector’s capacity to grow. To find out more about where our members see the EU-US relationship going, take a look at our recent survey.  

Joint statement on modernising customs to enhance global trade

24 Jan 2025
All committees
Customs & Trade Facilitation

For International Customs Day 2025, AmCham EU is reaffirming our commitment to advancing customs efficiency. In alignment with this year’s theme, we are emphasising the critical need for efficient IT systems, digital solutions and public-private partnerships to streamline global trade processes. These advancements, coupled with investments in workforce training and cutting-edge technologies like AI, will empower customs authorities to facilitate legitimate trade while securing borders. Learn why balanced regulatory frameworks, partnerships and technological advancements are needed to tackle future challenges and make the global trade ecosystem smoother in the joint statement. 

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