The health crisis we face today is an unprecedented challenge for our society. American companies have taken immediate action to not only protect their employees, support communities in Europe, and around the world, but also to develop innovative solutions to address the global emergency. At the same time, AmCham EU member companies are striving to preserve business continuity in a safe and responsible manner.
Take a look at some of their stories.
The health crisis we face today is an unprecedented challenge for our society. American companies have taken immediate action to not only protect their employees, support communities in Europe, and around the world, but also to develop innovative solutions to address the global emergency. At the same time, AmCham EU member companies are striving to preserve business continuity in a safe and responsible manner.
Take a look at some of their stories.
Healthcare companies are using their expertise to develop COVID-19 vaccine candidates as well as medicines that can be used in prevention and management of serious consequences related to COVID-19. Many of them have also significantly increased their production of medicines, medical devices and personal protective equipment.
Additional resources for supporting health workers in the front lines are also contributed by companies that have not traditionally been active in the healthcare sector. Many have found creative ways of contributing their skills and infrastructures, by re-purposing their facilities and technologies. For example, companies with 3D printing technologies have begun to produce face shields; producers of spirits, perfumes and cosmetics are contributing to the production of hand sanitiser; transport companies are utilising their aircraft and vehicle fleets to transport equipment to areas in need. New technological solutions to track, map and use computing capabilities are continuously developed to support communities, researchers and governments to address and better understand some of the impacts of COVID-19.
Finally, to support global relief efforts companies have pledged to support the United Nations COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, and other similar initiatives, created to address communities in need and the requirements of healthcare workers on the frontlines. Companies are also creating grants and programmes to assist small businesses likely to be impacted most in this crisis.
Tackling this global pandemic, and its health and socio-economic effects, requires strong cooperation between government, business and civil society. We all have a role to play. Find out more from our COVID-19 portal.
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The European Council’s decision to postpone its vote on concluding the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement (FTA) is a missed strategic opportunity that threatens the EU’s credibility as a reliable partner. After more than 20 years of negotiations, the EU is once again delaying one of its most ambitious and strategic trade agreements.
The EU-Mercosur FTA’s economic benefits are clear. At a time when strengthening competitiveness, economic growth and partnerships should be paramount, the FTA provides access to a market of 284 million consumers – reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers and supporting integrated supply chains.
Beyond its economic benefits, the EU-Mercosur FTA is also an important geopolitical tool. It would anchor a long-term strategic partnership with a key region and reinforce the EU’s role as a credible advocate of rules-based trade. Amid heightened geopolitical rivalry, postponement weakens the EU’s standing and its ability to conclude ambitious FTAs elsewhere.
The EU cannot afford further delays. The EU-Mercosur FTA is vital for the region’s competitiveness, resilience and global credibility. The European Council must promptly return to this file and conclude this FTA in January.
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The American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU) has confirmed Liam Benham, President, EU, NATO and Government Affairs, Europe, Boeing, for a second mandate as Chair of its Board of Directors. We look forward to continuing our work with Liam as he brings his expertise and leadership to advancing AmCham EU’s strategic priorities.
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On Tuesday 2 December, Thibaut L’Ortye, Senior Director of Public Affairs, AmCham EU presented The Transatlantic Economy 2025 report at AmCham Luxembourg’s Transatlantic Trade and Investment event. Stacey Feinberg, US Ambassador to Luxembourg highlighted the strong ties between Luxembourg and the US, with over 150,000 people employed thanks to the partnership. During his section, Mr L’Ortye presented the results of the report, with a particular focus on the resiliency of the EU-US relationship. Despite differing views on certain issues, the transatlantic partnership remains the most integrated in the world, directly responsible for 16 million jobs and one third of global GDP.
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