News

Invested in Europe: Tackling global hunger

Did you know that 109 million Europeans are at risk of food insecurity as a result of poverty? Herbalife Nutrition, a global leader in nourishment, has set up the Herbalife Nutrition Foundation to tackle the triple threat of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition. Through partnerships with local NGOs, donations of nutrient dense products from its Nutrition range, as well as grants, Herbalife Nutrition is increasing access to healthy foods and nutritional education. Through these actions and more, Herbalife’s Nutrition Foundation had a positive impact on over 10,000 children in Europe in 2019. Read more about Herbalife’s story on our Invested in Europe platform.  

Legislative framework for the governance of common European data spaces

AmCham EU shares the European Commission’s vision that common European data spaces will create an enabling environment where market participants feel empowered to share, re-use data and be in control of their data. At the heart of the proposed data spaces are the users, who need certainty that their data is handled in a responsible manner. The success of the EU data strategy depends on establishing data governance mechanisms and structures that foster an open and inclusive approach, built on responsible and values-driven data sharing.

We are convinced there is an opportunity to develop a better culture of data sharing in Europe, and that ultimately this will contribute to boosting the EU data economy. AmCham EU and our members are committed to continuing the dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders on the essential role of data in domains of public interest and for the EU economy. For more details on our position, read our consultation response here. 

Leah Charpentier speaks at the Université d’été du MEDEF

On Thursday, 27 August, Leah Charpentier (First Solar), Chair, Communications and Marketing Group, AmCham EU spoke at the Université d’été du Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF) as part of CommStrat Club's partnership with MEDEF which included a session on how to speed up the industrial sector in France. In her intervention, Leah emphasised the need for a comprehensive industrial strategy to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness in the global economy and the region’s ability to attract foreign investment. Watch the full video here. 

Queen Elisabeth Competition donations

The Queen Elisabeth Competition has been active since 1937 as one of the main music competitions of world-renowned importance. Only WWII had imposed a pause to the event prior to the COVID-19 postponement of the 2020 edition. The competition is relying mainly on private donations and needs financial support more than ever to go through this exceptional ordeal. Donations are vital and will make it possible for the Queen Elisabeth Competition to organise an outstanding and awaited piano edition next year, maintaining its standard of excellence.

Statement on cross-sectoral business concerns vis-à-vis the French law on the fight against waste and the circular economy

AmCham EU published a statement signed by 20 trade associations that highlights cross-sectoral business concerns vis-à-vis the French law on the fight against waste and the circular economy: 'Loi relative à la lutte contre le gaspillage et à l'économie circulaire'. 

The statement welcomes France’s ambition and efforts to transpose the revised Waste Framework Directive, Packaging Waste Directive and the recently adopted Single Use Plastics Directive. However, the signatories believe that some specific provisions within the law could be damaging for the functioning of the EU’s Internal Market as they will create new trade barriers and are disproportionate with regard to the stated policy objectives. For more details, read the full statement here. 

AmCham EU co-signs letter to Wilbur Ross, Secretary, US Department of Commerce

AmCham EU has co-signed a letter to Wilbur Ross, US Secretary of Commerce, calling for the US administration to work closely with the EU to develop a sustainable mechanism for companies to transfer data across the Atlantic. Read the full letter here. 

American Hour – where next for the international system?

On Thursday, 16 July 2020, AmCham EU had the pleasure of welcoming Fred Kempe, President and CEO, Atlantic Council. Mr Kempe reflected on the fact that we are at a possible inflection point in history, described possible scenarios for the future of the international system and discussed the necessity of a strong transatlantic partnership to navigate these uncharted waters. The conversation was moderated by Taggart Davis (JP Morgan), Chair, Transatlantic Task Force and Vice-Chair, Board, AmCham EU. Susan Danger, CEO of AmCham EU, provided opening remarks in which she stressed that cooperation between the US and the EU will always be mutually beneficial.

Town Hall meeting with Stefano Grassi, Head of Cabinet of Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson

On 17 July, AmCham EU hosted a Town Hall meeting with Stefano Grassi, Head of Cabinet of Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson. The discussion centered around:

• the impact of COVID-19 on the Green Deal and energy sector;
• the role that the Green deal and the energy sector will play in the economic recovery;
• the renovation wave and the role of gas; and
• the EU-US relations regarding transatlantic energy cooperation.

This was the last Town Hall before the summer break. These events will resume in September and will take place on a monthly basis.

Transparency the order of the day in AmCham EU’s July plenary

On 14 July, AmCham EU hosted a virtual plenary meeting addressing good governance and transparency in a time of crisis, and the role for politics and public affairs. We were joined by guest speakers Heidi Hautala, MEP (Greens/EFA, FI), Vice-President, European Parliament, Wes Himes, President, Society of European Affairs Professionals (SEAP), as well as Renate Nikolay, Head of Vice-President Jourova’s Cabinet, European Commission.