AmCham EU calls for progress on EU trade agreements ahead of Foreign Affairs Council

Ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Trade on Friday, 3 June, the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU urges the EU’s Trade Ministers to reignite efforts to advance the several ongoing negotiations on EU free trade agreements (FTAs) with third countries. Trade Ministers are set to discuss the state of play of the ongoing bilateral trade negotiations. AmCham EU encourages Ministers to recognise the importance of these agreements. They not only open new market opportunities, but they are essential tools to boost global recovery post COVID-19, will enable companies to further diversify their supply chains as well as provide increased consumer benefits through job creation and increased competition.

News
1 Jun 2022
Trade
AmCham EU calls for progress on EU trade agreements ahead of Foreign Affairs Council

Negotiating evidence-based agreements that are standard-setters, that cut red tape and promote sustainable development are vital. These will ensure the EU’s continued attractiveness to business and international competitiveness. We need EU leadership on free and fair trade more than ever in light of the current geopolitical tensions.

Trade negotiations that are already far advanced, such as those with Australia, Chile, Indonesia and New Zealand should be brought to a swift conclusion. Moreover, the EU should continue its efforts to ratify already agreed FTAs such as with Mexico, MERCOSUR, and the investment chapter of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Furthermore, there should also be continued progress in the restart of the talks with India.

Trade Ministers must seize the opportunities ahead and lend their support and dedication to make sure the EU delivers on the promise of a robust trade policy for the benefit of all citizens.

Related items

Position Paper
16 Oct 2026

Export controls fit for today's economy

The Dual-Use Regulation gives Europe a common framework for economic security, but divergent national implementation is weakening it. The same transaction can be assessed differently depending on the Member State, with guidance on cloud and software-as-a-service transfers remains unclear. Licensing processes, meanwhile, still assume a physical consignment rather than digital workflows, which sits poorly with how integrated global businesses operate. Companies bear the added cost and legal uncertainty, while the security benefit is limited. A single EU-wide approach to intangible transfers and closer alignment with the US and UK would make controls more predictable and let authorities focus on genuine risks. Read how the revision of the Dual-Use Regulation can deliver a harmonised and future-proof framework for Europe.

Trade
Customs and trade facilitation
Read more
Read more about Export controls fit for today's economy
News
3 Sep 2026

Engaging with the Mexican Ambassador on stronger trade ties

On Wednesday, 2 September 2026, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU met with Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, Mexican Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg, for an introductory meeting to exchange views on the transatlantic business relationship. Discussions focused on opportunities to deepen EU–Mexico economic ties following the signature of the Modernised Global Agreement and interim trade agreement earlier this year. AmCham EU looks forward to continued engagement with Ambassador Moctezuma and to supporting closer EU–Mexico economic cooperation.

Read more about Engaging with the Mexican Ambassador on stronger trade ties
News
19 Jun 2026

Stressing the importance of open trade in Strasbourg

From Tuesday, 16 to Wednesday, 17 June, AmCham EU travelled to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France for a series of meetings on EU trade and external affairs policy developments. The delegation engaged with Members of the European Parliament and political group advisers to share business perspectives on the future of the EU-US relationship. Discussions focused on the need to reset transatlantic trade and investment ties, strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and preserve open, rules-based markets. Members also highlighted the importance of avoiding tariffs, reducing regulatory complexity, deepening cooperation on economic security, critical supply chains and digital policy as well as ensuring that resilience measures remain proportionate, predictable and open to trusted partners.

Read more about Stressing the importance of open trade in Strasbourg