An Earth Day to remember: EU and US leaders step up climate ambition

Last week was a big week for global climate ambition, with President Biden convening 40 world leaders for a virtual Climate Summit on the occasion of Earth Day. To mark the occasion, a number of countries followed the US’ lead in making tangible commitments to reduce emissions. This followed news that, earlier in the week, EU lawmakers had reached an agreement on the ‘European Climate Law’ after 14 hours of ‘trilogue’ negotiations between the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of the EU.

News
25 Apr 2021
Environment, Energy
An Earth Day to remember: EU and US leaders step up climate ambition

Last week was a big week for global climate ambition, with President Biden convening 40 world leaders for a virtual Climate Summit on the occasion of Earth Day. To mark the occasion, a number of countries followed the US’ lead in making tangible commitments to reduce emissions. This followed news that, earlier in the week, EU lawmakers had reached an agreement on the ‘European Climate Law’ after 14 hours of ‘trilogue’ negotiations between the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of the EU.

The renewed climate ambition shown by the US, as well as the passage into law of the EU’s flagship ‘Climate Law’, alongside the EU’s upcoming ‘Fit for 55’ package demonstrates the importance of transatlantic leadership to drive the climate change agenda.

Climate change requires a global solution. Increased commitment from emitters worldwide, as well as global cooperation among countries and regions is a step in the right direction. The EU and the US have been instrumental in establishing the momentum for an energy-efficient, low-carbon future, which would ensure the competitiveness of their markets. The transatlantic partnership remains critical for the uptake of solutions that will help achieve climate neutrality by 2050. As representatives of the American business community in Europe, we look forward to continuing to play our role as an engaged partner in the fight against climate change.

Related items

Position Paper
24 Feb 2026

Industry coalition calls for Internal market legal basis in the Circular Economy Act

Together with industry associations representing a wide range of sectors, AmCham EU has signed a joint statement calling for the upcoming Circular Economy Act to be grounded in an internal market legal basis. The statement highlights the need for harmonised EU rules to address fragmentation in waste management systems across Member States and support the development of a functioning Single Market for secondary raw materials. It also underlines the importance of a consistent EU framework to strengthen circularity, improve waste management performance and support investment in recycling and resource efficiency.

Environment
Read more
Read more about Industry coalition calls for Internal market legal basis in the Circular Economy Act
News
18 Feb 2026

AmCham EU meets with US Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs

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. 

Energy
Transatlantic
Read more
Read more about AmCham EU meets with US Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs
News
4 Feb 2026

Full speed to net zero

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. 

Environment
Read more
Read more about Full speed to net zero