AmCham EU German Presidency recommendations
AmCham EU welcomes the German Presidency of the Council of the European Union which kicked off on Wednesday, 1 July. Our recommendations to the German Presidency of the Council of the European Union aim to ensure we reach our common objectives of a stronger and more prosperous EU. In the recommendations, we highlight priorities we believe will make Europe more competitive and attractive for investment based on the original European Union work programme for 2020. However, the German Presidency comes at an unprecedented moment in the history of the European Union. Europe, like the world, has been rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our dedicated economic recovery paper contains recommendations specific to the crisis context in which Germany takes over the presidency of the EU.
We look forward to working closely with Germany during its Presidency. AmCham EU had the opportunity to travel to Berlin on a Presidency Delegation, just before the lockdown in March 2020. We would like to thank all the stakeholders that we met while in Berlin and wish them a successful Presidency!

Related items
:focal())
Examining Europe’s AI ambitions with the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU
How can Europe strengthen its digital resilience while remaining open to the partnerships that drive AI innovation? On Wednesday, 17 June, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU, addressed this at a conference organised by the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU in Nicosia, Cyprus. Discussions focused on how Europe can build a more resilient digital ecosystem while remaining an attractive destination for investment and innovation. Mr Lohan underlined that secure supply chains and trusted partnerships are essential to Europe’s AI competitiveness. He also highlighted the role of US businesses as committed partners in helping Europe build and compete globally, while stressing the need for balanced policies that strengthen resilience and give companies the confidence to invest in Europe.
:focal())
Engaging with Ireland ahead of the upcoming Irish Presidency
From Wednesday, 4 March to Friday, 6 March, AmCham EU visited Dublin, Ireland ahead of Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The delegation met with Irish policymakers and business representatives to exchange views on EU policy priorities, Europe’s competitiveness and the transatlantic partnership. The visit forms part of AmCham EU’s ongoing engagement with Member States ahead of their Presidency.
Discussions focused on strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and promoting a supportive policy environment for investment and innovation. Exchanges covered areas including financial services, digital policy, tax, life sciences and environmental policy, as well as the importance of maintaining a strong transatlantic partnership.
With Ireland preparing to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, AmCham EU looks forward to continuing engagement with Irish stakeholders on strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and the transatlantic economy.
During the visit, the delegation met with representatives from the Irish Government, parliament and business community, including:
Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment
Thomas Byrne, Minister of State, European Affairs and Defence
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health
Eoghan Glynn, Acting Head of UK and International Trade Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Martina Hennessy, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Edwina Love, Head of EU Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Philip Nugent, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Sinéad Ryan, Assistant Secretary, Business and International Tax Policy, Department of Finance
Robert Troy, Minister of State, Department of Finance
Maeve von Heynitz, Director-General, EU Division, Department of Foreign Affairs
Barry Ward, Chair, Committee on European Affairs, Oireachtas
:focal())
Taking stock of European competitiveness with AmCham Ireland
Ahead of Ireland assuming the Presidency of the Council of the EU in July, Thibaut L’Ortye, Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer, AmCham EU joined business and policy leaders at the AmCham Ireland’s Global Business Conference to reflect on the opportunities facing Europe’s economy. Against a complex geopolitical backdrop, the conversation looked at how forthcoming EU initiatives can strengthen Europe’s attractiveness for investment and long-term growth. From simplification efforts and the Industry Accelerator Act to the 28th regime, the Biotech Act and progress on the Savings and Investment Union, the scale of the agenda is significant. A renewed focus on deepening the Single Market was a clear priority, alongside maintaining openness to foreign investment as a driver of innovation, competitiveness and a stronger industrial base across Europe. Joining Mr L’Ortye on the panel was Lucinda Creighton, Founder and CEO, Vulcan Consulting and Colm O'Callaghan, Director of Public Affairs and Advocacy, AmCham Ireland.
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.