Following a presentation of the political interactions of the EU’s institutions by Nele Devolders, Marsha Turner took the floor to provide a case study of how her association had been impacted by the COVID-19 context. AmCham EU CEO Susan Danger then offered her perspectives on the EU-US policy agenda. Setting the scene of the ‘interesting times’ that the transatlantic relationship has known since the 2008 Financial Crisis, she talked of the importance of business’ role in identifying the positive narrative surrounding globalism and free trade. She pointed to the 16 million jobs that the transatlantic relationship generates in both the US and the EU as evidence of the benefit that openness has brought to the region. In the context of the new US administration she impressed upon the audience her renewed optimism to reset, refresh and rekindle the transatlantic relationship – especially in light of last week’s announcement to suspend tariffs on aircraft and non-aircraft products.
Europe Today: Susan Danger shares perspectives at webinar
How do business interests align with the European political agenda? That was the overarching question of the day at the ‘Europe Today: What Associations Need to Know’ webinar discussion hosted by the American Society of Association Executives and sponsored by Visit Brussels on Tuesday, 9 March. Guest panellists included Nele Devolder, Association Director, Kellen; Marsha Turner, CEO, International Association of Lighting Directors; Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU.
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Implementing the EU-US Joint Statement
With the EU having formally adopted the tariff reductions agreed under the EU-US Framework Agreement, the two sides now have an opportunity to enter a new phase.
The agreement has the potential to help restore stability and predictability for citizens and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic and provide the basis for continued collaborationbetween the EU and US. The goal should be to bring their shared $9.8 trillion commercial relationship to a more constructive place, focusing on cooperation where interests align.
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European Parliament plenary vote paves way for stronger transatlantic marketplace
Today, the European Parliament took a positive step to bring a degree of predictability to the transatlantic trade and investment climate. With their decision to approve tariff reductions on certain imports from the US, MEPs have demonstrated the EU’s commitment to honouring its side of the EU-US Framework Agreement.
Given the importance of the $9.8 trillion transatlantic marketplace for jobs and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic, the EU and the US must now continue down this track, pursuing cooperation based on the Framework Agreement. While AmCham EU opposes tariffs, the EU‑US Framework Agreement provides the most realistic path to de‑escalation in trade tensions and a more constructive relationship.
With the initial tariff reductions adopted, the EU and the US can move to advance other priorities identified in the August 2025 EU-US Joint Statement. In particular, the two sides should focus on joint action in four areas: tackling shared geopolitical challenges, bolstering supply chain security, strengthening transatlantic digital commerce and striking mutual recognition agreements (AmCham EU has set out these recommendations here). Cooperation in these four areas will bring benefits to American and European businesses alike.
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Relay for Life 2026
From Saturday, 13 to Sunday, 14 June, AmCham EU staff, members, alumni and their families took part in the 24 hour Relay for Life at the Stade du Pachy in Waterloo, Belgium. Together, they walked, campaigned and raised funds to support the fight against cancer. For all involved, staying on the track for a full day was a small but meaningful way to honour the perseverance of those living with cancer and to show support for their loved ones. Couldn't join us? You can still make a contribution here.
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