Transitioning to a more sustainable economy is the defining challenge of the 21st century, and American companies invested in Europe are committed to doing their part. Transatlantic leadership and international cooperation are key to achieving critical global climate goals, especially keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. With those aims in mind, many members of the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU, along with thousands of delegates from all over the world, participated in the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in November.
COP27 ends, but the conversation continues
Transitioning to a more sustainable economy is the defining challenge of the 21st century, and American companies invested in Europe are committed to doing their part. Transatlantic leadership and international cooperation are key to achieving critical global climate goals, especially keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. With those aims in mind, many members of the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU, along with thousands of delegates from all over the world, participated in the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in November.
One of the most important aspects of the conference is the forum it provides for governments, non-profits, associations, the private sector and other stakeholders to dialogue on the many interconnected issues related to the climate crisis. To meet the world’s sustainability targets, it will take cooperation not only across borders but also between sectors and stakeholders. Encouragingly, a greater diversity of stakeholders was represented at this year’s event, particularly from industry. These interactions can – and often do – lead to new partnerships and innovations.
Even though COP27 has ended, the conversation is far from over. As individual governments move forward on their own climate legislation – including setting environmental standards – they must be guided by the principles of regulatory certainty, economic stability, transparency, international openness and evidence-based policies. The EU and the US are well positioned to lead by example in areas such as renewable and low-carbon technology, climate diplomacy and carbon pricing mechanisms. The upcoming Trade and Technology Council ministerial and the Collaborative Platform for Agriculture initiative provide further opportunities for the EU and the US to strengthen their partnership and mobilise on shared commitments to decarbonise their economies.
With its ambition to lead the green transition, the EU is already pushing forward with the green transition and aiming to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The American business community is Europe is committed to being a constructive partner in defining and implementing the EU’s climate policies. Protecting the planet is a long-term project, and every nation, organisation and individual has a role to play. Transatlantic leadership, however, can smooth the way and nudge the public and private sectors alike towards a speedier green transition.
Related items
:focal())
News
11 Dec 2025
Environmental Omnibus proposal would simplify regulatory landscape
The European Commission’s Environmental Omnibus proposal is a positive first step towards reducing the administrative and regulatory burdens on businesses operating in the EU. Key measures such as streamlining permitting, simplifying industrial emissions reporting, removing the SCIP database and easing Extended Producer Responsibility schemes would help create more efficient and harmonised processes across the EU. Additionally, the proposal’s indication of upcoming work on the Circular Economy Act and the swift implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation would further support a simplified regulatory environment.
By improving efficiency and predictability, the proposal would help foster a stable, investment-driven market in Europe and reinforce the case for sustainable practices. To fully deliver on the potential to reduce burdens for business, co-legislators must now move the Environmental Omnibus across the finish line. AmCham EU stands ready to serve as a resource in their efforts. These simplification initiatives in environmental regulation are crucial to maintaining Europe’s global standing as a hub for business and innovation.
The Environmental Omnibus proposal is part of the Commission’s simplification agenda and follows its proposed Chemicals Omnibus, which introduced related environmental simplifications in July 2025. These important initiatives continue to drive efforts to cut red tape, reduce regulatory burdens and enhance the EU’s competitiveness.
:focal())
News
5 Dec 2025
Building Europe’s water future, together
Water resilience is becoming increasingly urgent, with global demand expected to exceed supply by 40% by 2030. For over two decades, Coca-Cola in Europe has worked to address this challenge through partnerships with more than 30 non-governmental organisations on over 100 projects across the continent. These initiatives range from restoring wetlands in the Danube Basin to supporting water-smart farming in Spain and Sicily. In a new report, Scaling for Impact, developed with GlobeScan, Coca-Cola Europe outlines key success factors for effective water stewardship partnerships. Discover how the company is helping to build a more resilient water future through collaboration and innovation on Invested in Europe.
:focal())
News
28 Sep 2025
Calling for clearer and innovation-friendly chemicals policy
On Monday, 29 September 2025, AmCham EU hosted a roundtable on the future of EU chemicals policy. Opening remarks were delivered by Ana-Maria Blass Rico, Acting Head of Unit, REACH, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs and Paul Speight, Head of Unit, Safe and Sustainable Chemicals, Directorate-General for the Environment, European Commission. The discussion focused on the chemicals omnibus, how to simplify REACH and support substitution through innovation. Members highlighted the need for clearer guidance, flexible approaches and realistic timelines to support both safety and competitiveness. The meeting closed with a strong call to ensure that future policy remains practical, innovation-friendly and aligned with Europe’s industrial ambitions.
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.