The global pandemic has heavily impacted the way the EU bubble operates. On Tuesday, 5 October, Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU, took part in a hybrid event organised by EURACTIV to discuss how COVID-19 transformed the activities of Brussels-based organisations. She was joined by fellow association leaders, with whom she shared key trends and learnings from the pandemic. She also explored possibilities to strengthen the service offering of trade associations in a hybrid environment.
The global pandemic has heavily impacted the way the EU bubble operates. On Tuesday, 5 October, Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU, took part in a hybrid event organised by EURACTIV to discuss how COVID-19 transformed the activities of Brussels-based organisations. She was joined by fellow association leaders, with whom she shared key trends and learnings from the pandemic. She also explored possibilities to strengthen the service offering of trade associations in a hybrid environment.
The conversation brought together:
Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU
Joseph Elborn, Secretary-General, European Youth Forum
Michael Freytag, European Public Affairs Manager, WEC Europe
Roxane Feller, Secretary-General, Animal Health Europe
Adrian M. Joyce, Secretary-General, EuroACE
Emmanuel Mounier, Secretary-General, EU Travel Tech
The discussion revolved around how associations adapted to challenges such as navigating budget constraints, finding new ways of communicating, revisiting what outreach looks like online and ensuring staff wellbeing and productivity.
The event was rounded off with a look to the future. Speakers took stock of the learnings from the COVID-19 crisis as organisations seek to transition to a ‘new normal’ which combines the best of the virtual and in-person worlds.
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On Monday, 9 February, AmCham EU met with Bryant Trick, Assistant United States Trade Representative, Europe and the Middle East. Malte Lohan, CEO and Liam Benham, Chair, opened the meeting by setting the context for the discussion and highlighting the need for transatlantic engagement at a challenging time. As efforts continue to implement the EU–US framework agreement and move forward in a constructive manner, the exchange provided an important opportunity for open dialogue.
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The Commission’s proposed transitional rules to anticipate the removal of the €150 customs duty threshold risk creating distortions and unnecessary complexity. As discussed at the Trade Contact Group in January 2026, the current approach could undermine simplification efforts and lead to an uneven playing field between businesses involved in low-value distance sales.
Co-legislators should consider targeted changes to address these risks. In particular, the temporary €3 duty and the use of the H7 simplified customs declarations should apply consistently to all distance sales below €150. H7 data requirements for simplified procedures should also remain proportionate and not exceed those of the standard H1 dataset. Finally, changes to the definition of the customs declarant should be avoided where they may create legal uncertainty or increase fraud and liability risks.
Find out more about why a proportionate and legally sound approach is essential for a workable de minimis transition.
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The transport sector accounts for around a quarter of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with road transport responsible for the majority. As a company dependent on efficient logistics, Amazon is taking concrete steps to decarbonise its operations and support Europe’s climate ambitions. Across several Member States, the company is expanding its fleet of zero-exhaust emission vehicles, investing in electric trucks and delivering packages by lower-emission rail freight. These initiatives demonstrate how innovation in transport can combine operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. Read the full story on Invested in Europe.
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