AmChams in Europe: Solidarity, coordination and action

Solidarity, coordination and action: what we need to fight COVID-19 and protect the economy

The world is facing an extraordinary challenge from the outbreak of COVID-19. The pandemic poses a severe threat to the health and wellbeing of citizens and the global economy with harmful consequences for all parts of society. AmChams in Europe, the umbrella organization for 45 AmChams from 43 countries across Europe and Eurasia, fully support governments’ efforts to tackle the pandemic and mitigate its effects. The mobilization of resources has been unprecedented, and we need continued leadership to address the impact of the crisis on society.

News
6 Apr 2020
AmChams in Europe: Solidarity, coordination and action

Solidarity, coordination and action: what we need to fight COVID-19 and protect the economy

The world is facing an extraordinary challenge from the outbreak of COVID-19. The pandemic poses a severe threat to the health and wellbeing of citizens and the global economy with harmful consequences for all parts of society. AmChams in Europe, the umbrella organization for 45 AmChams from 43 countries across Europe and Eurasia, fully support governments’ efforts to tackle the pandemic and mitigate its effects. The mobilization of resources has been unprecedented, and we need continued leadership to address the impact of the crisis on society.

We call on our governments to focus on:

1) Solidarity – We are all in this together. Increased sharing of resources and information among our countries and globally is critical to address the pandemic successfully. Now is the time to demonstrate the values we share in Europe, across the Atlantic and with the rest of the global community.

2) Coordination – Governments need to enhance coordination across borders and within alliances to ensure a consistent and harmonized approach to the crisis but also to start setting the foundations of the economic recovery. Cooperation at the regional and global levels is vital as governments put together initiatives to protect our economies, and ultimately the livelihood of citizens.

3) Action – We need bold action to ensure access to critical goods and services we all depend on. In particular, the movement of goods across borders must be unimpeded. Much-needed goods rely on integrated supply-chains for production before they can be delivered to individuals and businesses.

AmChams in Europe are committed to doing all they can do to mobilize member companies and our networks to support the economic recovery. We are coordinating with our colleagues across the European region and globally to put forward recommendations for a strong and sound economic recovery for the prosperity and wellbeing of all our citizens and businesses, find out more here

AmChams in Europe serves as the umbrella organization for 45 American Chambers of Commerce (AmChams) from 43 countries throughout Europe and Eurasia. In Europe they represent the interests of more than 17,000 American and European companies employing 20 million workers and accounting for more than $1.1 trillion in investment on both sides of the Atlantic. As the bilateral voice of American and European companies, AmChams in Europe works to communicate the importance of the transatlantic economy in both Europe and the United States. For a full list of members, please click here.

Related items

News
14 Jan 2026

Irish-made AI

Developing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities is central to Europe’s digital ambitions. With a new €175 million investment, Workday is reinforcing this priority by establishing an AI Centre of Excellence in Dublin. Building on its long-standing research and development presence, the company will expand product development and create more than 200 specialised roles. Workday is also deepening its commitment to skills, partnering with national training networks and universities to equip employees with cutting-edge AI expertise. Through these collaborations, Workday is helping to drive innovation, strengthen Europe’s digital competitiveness and support the next generation of AI talent. Discover more on Invested in Europe. 

Digital
Read more
Read more about Irish-made AI
News
9 Jan 2026

Council vote clears way for landmark EU-Mercosur free trade agreement

EU Member States’ decision to approve the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement is a major victory for the EU’s free trade agenda. For companies in the EU, the agreement promises to support deeper integration of value chains and facilitate access to a market of 284 million consumers. This will contribute to more resilient and diversified supply chains, including access to critical raw materials essential for the EU’s economic security and industrial growth.

AmCham EU praises the European Commission for its work with Member States to ensure the deal benefits all sectors of the EU economy. By concluding Mercosur’s first trade agreement with a major global partner, the EU demonstrates its commitment to open and rules-based trade. The European Parliament must now approve the agreement without delay, so that – after 25 years of negotiations – businesses and citizens can start benefiting from this deal.

Reacting to the news, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU, stressed the importance of the agreement: ‘The Council’s decision is a timely one. In today’s world, the EU needs to boost its economic competitiveness and maintain its free trade leadership. The EU-Mercosur agreement ticks both boxes’.

‘The business case is clear; the geopolitical case is clear. It is now the Parliament’s job to see the agreement across the finish line’, he added.

Trade
Customs and trade facilitation
Read more
Read more about Council vote clears way for landmark EU-Mercosur free trade agreement
News
22 Dec 2025

No further delays: the EU-Mercosur FTA is vital for a stronger Europe

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.

Read more about No further delays: the EU-Mercosur FTA is vital for a stronger Europe