Crossed wires: how to reconnect transatlantic ties?
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17 Mar 2026
13:30-18:30
Brussels, Belgium
Transatlantic Conference 2026
Europe and the US are drifting apart. Policy differences and trade tensions are testing a relationship that has long underpinned growth and stability on both sides of the Atlantic. At the same time, emerging powers and rapid technological change are reshaping the global landscape. In this shifting environment, the case for EU-US cooperation as the most effective way to defend shared interests and advance shared prosperity remains overwhelming. But amid transatlantic tensions, can the two sides continue to act together? Join us to explore how the EU and US can revitalise their partnership as we enter the next chapter following the EU-US Framework Agreement.
Speakers
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Valdis Dombrovskis
European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification
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Tomas Baert
Trade Adviser, Cabinet of European Commission President von der Leyen
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Ana Paula Assis
Senior Vice-President, EMEA and Growth Markets, IBM
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Brando Benifei
MEP (IT, S&D)
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Nicole Isaac
Vice-President, Global Public Policy, Government Affairs, Cisco
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Eva Maydell
MEP (BG, EPP)
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Kathleen Van Brempt
MEP (BE, S&D)
Programme
12.45 – 13.30
Light buffet lunch
13.30 – 13.45
Welcome
Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU
Liam Benham (Boeing), Chair, AmCham EU
13.45 – 14.00
Keynote speech
Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification, European Commission
14.00 – 15.00
Presentation of Transatlantic Economy Report 2026
Daniel Hamilton, Senior Fellow, Foreign Policy Institute, SAIS, Johns Hopkins University
Joseph Quinlan, Senior Fellow, Transatlantic Leadership Network
Moderator: Thibaut L’Ortye, Senior Director, Public Affairs, AmCham EU
15.00 – 15.20
Coffee break
15.20 – 16.00
Beyond tariffs: reimagining transatlantic trade for the next decade
Tomas Baert, Trade Adviser, Cabinet of the President, European Commission
Antoine Janssens, Vice-President Business Transformation, Chevron Phillips Chemical
Kathleen Van Brempt, MEP (BE, S&D)
16.00 – 16.40
The transatlantic agenda: lawmakers’ perspectives on competitiveness, security and cooperation
Brando Benifei, MEP (IT, S&D)
US Representative Jim Costa (D-California)
Eva Maydell, MEP (BG, EPP)
16.40 – 17.10
Investment, security and the European Preference debate: finding the right balance
Nicole Isaac, Vice-President, Global Public Policy, Government Affairs, Cisco
Penny Naas, Senior Vice-President, Innovation and Competitiveness and Brussels Office Director, German Marshall Fund
17.10 – 17.40
Fireside chat: the transatlantic business outlook
Ana Paula Assis, Senior Vice-President, EMEA and Growth Markets, IBM
17.40 – 18.10
Closing remarks
18.10 – 19.00
Reception
Our sponsors
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A snapshot of last year
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Other events
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Policy priorities
Insights and advocacy driving Europe’s policy agenda. Our priorities support growth, innovation and a stronger transatlantic economy.
Membership
Connecting business and policymakers to strengthen the voice of American companies in Europe.