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Getting the revision of the Defence Procurement Directive right is critical to delivering the capabilities Member States need to deter aggression by 2030 and to strengthen the capacity and innovation of the European defence industrial base. Reform efforts should focus on removing practical barriers such as administrative complexity, production bottlenecks and limited visibility that delay capability delivery. Through targeted simplification, the Commission can accelerate procurement, support joint acquisition and ensure access to best-in-class technologies. By contrast, introducing stringent European preference requirements, such as headquarters-based eligibility criteria or rigid content thresholds, risks reducing competition, increasing administrative burdens and overlooking the deep investments many US companies already have in the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. Readiness by 2030 requires inclusive access and cooperation with allies to ensure that European defence spending translates into a formidable and enduring deterrent.

The US Supreme Court has ruled today to halt tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In response, the US Administration has indicated it will shortly enact a new 10% global tariff and initiate new tariff investigations under alternative instruments.

The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) continues to oppose broad-based tariffs as they disrupt supply chains and increase costs for businesses and consumers. We echo the US Chamber of Commerce’s call for the US Administration to use this ruling as an opportunity to reset its overall tariff policy.

There is now significant uncertainty for businesses that depend on a stable and predictable trade policy environment. Further guidance from authorities is required for companies to understand how the latest developments will impact their operations.

The EU-US trade and investment relationship is the most important economic partnership in the world. AmCham EU looks to the EU and the US to continue working closely together in support of their shared growth and security.

On Tuesday, 17 February, AmCham EU met with Caleb Orr, US Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs, to exchange views on transatlantic economic priorities. Malte Lohan, CEO, opened the discussion by highlighting the importance of a strong and predictable business environment for US companies operating in the EU. The exchange focused on regulatory and investment conditions affecting international business, as well as the broader EU-US trade relationship and the value of continued economic cooperation. Participants also discussed cooperation on critical mineral supply chains, underlining the importance of coordinated transatlantic efforts to strengthen economic security, resilience and competitiveness.