With the UK now a ‘third country’ outside of the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union, what are the gaps the businesses now face when operating between the two jurisdictions?
This was the question that was put to panellists of LOW Europe’s ‘Mind the gap’ debate on Wednesday, 27 October, on the occasion of the launch of their new report.
With the UK now a ‘third country’ outside of the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union, what are the gaps the businesses now face when operating between the two jurisdictions?
This was the question that was put to panellists of LOW Europe’s ‘Mind the gap’ debate on Wednesday, 27 October, on the occasion of the launch of their new report.
The debate gathered a distinguished panel of Ian Wright, CBE, Chief Executive, Food and Drink Federation UK; Ben Butters, CEO, EUROCHAMBRES; Helen Smith, Executive Chair, IMPALA; Leslie Galloway, Chairman, Ethical Medicines Industry Group; and Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU. The panel was chaired by LOW’s Strategic Counsel, Lord Andrew Lansley.
The panel explored the ways in which business interests diverge from the political interests of the UK and the EU in the aftermath of the UK’s divorce from the Union. In this context, the panellists discussed the need for independent representation of business in general, and for ‘UK plc’ in particular, within the EU policymaking scene.
In the course of the debate, Susan shared the US business perspective, as an example of a third country with significant influence in the EU. She made the case that with 55% of US multinationals’ global income coming from Europe, US companies have strong incentives to be present in the EU’s policymaking processes. She also emphasised the importance for US businesses to also make the EU understand why their perspective matters – with 4.8 million Europeans directly employed by US companies in Europe, the relationship goes both ways.
At the end of the debate, all panellists converged on the importance for UK businesses to expand their reach in Brussels. By establishing a hub and building a constructive narrative, working with counterparts from the EU, maintaining links with EU trade associations and expanding objective comment from British-based think-tanks, panellists agreed that businesses in the EU and the UK can move beyond the entrenched political positions around Brexit and find a new equilibrium that fosters trade and investment partnership.
Interested in hearing the debate first-hand? Watch the recording
Learn more about AmCham EU’s work on the EU-UK relationship
Check out Susan Danger’s contribution to LOW’s ‘Mind the gap’ report
:focal())
The European Council’s decision to postpone its vote on concluding the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement (FTA) is a missed strategic opportunity that threatens the EU’s credibility as a reliable partner. After more than 20 years of negotiations, the EU is once again delaying one of its most ambitious and strategic trade agreements.
The EU-Mercosur FTA’s economic benefits are clear. At a time when strengthening competitiveness, economic growth and partnerships should be paramount, the FTA provides access to a market of 284 million consumers – reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers and supporting integrated supply chains.
Beyond its economic benefits, the EU-Mercosur FTA is also an important geopolitical tool. It would anchor a long-term strategic partnership with a key region and reinforce the EU’s role as a credible advocate of rules-based trade. Amid heightened geopolitical rivalry, postponement weakens the EU’s standing and its ability to conclude ambitious FTAs elsewhere.
The EU cannot afford further delays. The EU-Mercosur FTA is vital for the region’s competitiveness, resilience and global credibility. The European Council must promptly return to this file and conclude this FTA in January.
:focal())
On Tuesday, 25 and Wednesday, 26 November 2025, AmCham EU travelled to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. Over the two-day programme, the delegation met with nearly a dozen MEPs and advisors for an exchange on the future of EU trade policy. Discussions centred on the importance of transatlantic cooperation, the ratification of the EU-Mercosur agreement and the implementation of the EU-US Framework Agreement. Members underlined the need for an ambitious EU trade agenda that ensures market access, reduces tariff and non-tariff barriers and strengthens the resilience of European industry. The delegation also called for a swift adoption of the Commission’s proposal on tariff reduction on US industrial goods and reiterated the importance of a pragmatic, forward-looking transatlantic agenda that promotes predictability and economic security.
:focal(610x264:611x265))
At the POLITICO Competitive Europe Summit, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU reiterated the need for swift implementation of the EU-US Framework Agreement and renewed its call for greater simplification of EU rules. Mr Lohan expressed cautious support for the deal, noting its role in avoiding damaging escalation and restoring a degree of predictability. He also underscored the importance of reducing regulatory burdens, highlighting simplification as a strategic priority for competitiveness. With the priority now on timely tariff reductions, regulatory cooperation and simplification, find out how our members see the deal evolving.
Mr Lohan was joined by Matthias Jørgensen, Head of Unit, USA and Canada, Directorate-General for Trade, European Commission and Jovita Neliupšienė, EU Ambassador to the US
Insights and advocacy driving Europe’s policy agenda. Our priorities support growth, innovation and a stronger transatlantic economy.
Connecting business and policymakers to strengthen the voice of American companies in Europe.