Bringing together over 500 guests, AmCham EU celebrated its 60th Anniversary on Wednesday, 28 June in true style. The evening began with a conversation between Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister, Belgium and Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister, Estonia on the importance of strong transatlantic ties. The rest of the evening ranged from celebratory messages from the likes of Mark Gitenstein, United States Ambassador to the EU and Ursula von der Leyen, President, European Commission, to sustainable dining and music from the NATO SHAPE International Band and Ukrainian Cellist and Queen Elisabeth Competition laureate Oleksiy Shadrin. The celebrations were capped off with a presentation of the Youth Entrepreneurship Award by Vera Jourova, Vice-President, European Commission to Bulgarian start-up AMIRA Meditech. Couldn’t make it? Here’s what you missed.
Celebrating our 60th anniversary in style: Gala 2023
Bringing together over 500 guests, AmCham EU celebrated its 60th Anniversary on Wednesday, 28 June in true style. The evening began with a conversation between Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister, Belgium and Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister, Estonia on the importance of strong transatlantic ties. The rest of the evening ranged from celebratory messages from the likes of Mark Gitenstein, United States Ambassador to the EU and Ursula von der Leyen, President, European Commission, to sustainable dining and music from the NATO SHAPE International Band and Ukrainian Cellist and Queen Elisabeth Competition laureate Oleksiy Shadrin. The celebrations were capped off with a presentation of the Youth Entrepreneurship Award by Vera Jourova, Vice-President, European Commission to Bulgarian start-up AMIRA Meditech. Couldn’t make it? Here’s what you missed.

Following the prime minister's fireside chat, we were treated to a performance by the NATO SHAPE International Band before then enjoying a seated dinner from Michelin Green Star chef Arabelle Meirlaen and the beginning of the evening's programme. Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU and Zeger Vercouteren (Johnson & Johnson), Chair, AmCham EU, welcomed guests and drew attention to some of the highlights of the organisation over the past six decades.
Following their remarks, guests received a special video message from Ursula von der Leyen, President, European Commission wishing the organisation the best on this special occasion and highlighted areas of strong transatlantic cooperation. Mark Gitenstein, United States Ambassador to the EU then gave a congratulatory toast emphasising the significance of AmCham EU’s work. Guests then had the opportunity to enjoy a performance by Oleksiy Shadrin, Ukrainian Cellist and Queen Elisabeth Competition laureate.
Before everyone had the chance to break out their dancing shoes to more hits from the NATO Shape International Band, the final piece of the evening’s festive programme took place. Vera Jourova, Vice-President, European Commission joined us to present the winner of this year’s AmCham EU Youth Entrepreneurship Award to Bulgaria’s Natalia Konova, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, AMIRA Meditech. Now it’s 11th edition, AmCham EU has been proud to support entrepreneurship in Europe, together with JA Europe. Building on the mission of the EMPOWER HER initiative, the Executive Council doubled down on their commitment to support women entrepreneurs with the award for the fourth year in a row.
A big thank you to all of our sponsors for making the event happen. Cheers to the next 60 years!
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