Investment-enabling environment key to making Europe ‘Fit for 55’

The European Commission has today released its ‘Fit for 55’ climate package as part of the European Green Deal. The package aims at bringing all existing climate and energy-related initiatives in line with the EU’s new 2030 55% greenhouse gas emission reductions targets. The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) applauds the ambitions laid out in the new package, while emphasising the need for an investment-enabling environment that will facilitate the uptake of technological solutions required for a successful and timely green transition.

News
13 Jul 2021
Energy
Investment-enabling environment key to making Europe ‘Fit for 55’

Carbon border adjustment mechanism: mitigating carbon leakage across borders

As part of the new legislative package, the Commission has adopted a proposal for a carbon border adjustment mechanism. AmCham EU supports the measure’s objectives of mitigating the risk of cross-border carbon leakage. We are pleased to note the proposal’s focus on compatibility with WTO rules. Looking ahead, it will be critical for the EU to take an inclusive and global approach and build consensus with key trading partners. AmCham EU looks forward to working constructively with policymakers to ensure that the proposal is compatible with global business models and safeguards the EU’s competitiveness. 

Renewable, efficient and integrated energy markets

Also part of the package are the Renewable Energy Directive and the Energy Efficiency Directive. AmCham EU urges greater synergies between the legislative initiatives, in order to ensure coherence between all energy and climate-related rules. We see market signals as the primary tool to identify investment needs in new flexible power generation capacity. As companies who are active in the production and purchase of renewable energy in Europe, as well as the development of technological solutions to integrate renewable energy into Europe’s energy grids, we support a renewable energy policy framework that fosters investment in infrastructure to better integrate renewables.

Cleaner transport to successfully reduce emissions in Europe

Road transport will play a significant role in achieving both the 2030 targets and the EU’s net zero ambition. The Alternative Fuels Directive and CO2 emission standards for cars and vans set the EU on a constructive path towards decarbonising the sector but more work remains to be done. Reaching these goals will require a comprehensive approach that is smart, cost-efficient, technology neutral and stimulates higher renewable content in fuels. A similar approach can be applied in the sky. The Commission’s new sustainable aviation fuels proposal is an opportunity for greater uptake of sustainable fuels on the market. AmCham EU welcomes the increased levels of investment in sustainable aviation fuels, while calling for more regulatory and financial incentives for research, development and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels. Our member companies are at the forefront of developing sustainable fuels in the aviation sector, but regulators must provide the requisite incentives that will stimulate both supply and demand.

#EUGreenWay: From decarbonising the energy sector, to building sustainable food systems; from innovating sustainable mobility solutions, to making the economy circular: American companies in Europe are innovating today to achieve a more sustainable tomorrow. Check out the steps our members are taking towards Europe’s greener future on our Invested in Europe platform and on social media: #EUGreenWay.

Related items

Position Paper
26 Jun 2026

CBAM extension: get implementation right before expanding scope

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will test whether the EU can address carbon leakage while keeping investment in Europe. As implementation of the CBAM advances, companies face costs and reporting duties under rules that are still taking shape. Preventing carbon leakage matters. However, the CBAM should work in practice before scope extension is considered. Moving too soon could place burdens on companies and disrupt value chains, with consequences for investment and trade. The focus should be on avoiding measures that introduce further uncertainty and extending proposed safeguards in the Temporary Decarbonisation Fund beyond 2027. Learn how to shape the CBAM so it prevents carbon leakage while maintaining competitiveness. 

Energy
Read more
Read more about CBAM extension: get implementation right before expanding scope
News
19 Jun 2026

Bringing energy and climate priorities to Strasbourg

Europe’s clean industrial transition will depend on policies that can unlock investment, strengthen energy systems and support sustainable transport. From Tuesday, 16 to Wednesday, 17 June, AmCham EU travelled to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France for a series of meetings on EU transport, energy and climate policy developments. The delegation engaged with Members of the European Parliament and political group advisers to share business perspectives on Europe’s clean industrial transition. Discussions focused on the Industrial Accelerator Act, the revision of the EU Emissions Trading System, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, the Grids Package and energy security. Members highlighted the need for predictable, technology-neutral rules that support investment, strengthen Europe’s industrial base and preserve openness to trusted partners.

Industry
Climate
Energy
Read more
Read more about Bringing energy and climate priorities to Strasbourg
Position Paper
21 Apr 2026

Industrial Accelerator Act: keeping Europe competitive and open to investment

The Industrial Accelerator Act will be a key test of whether the EU can strengthen industrial competitiveness while advancing decarbonisation. With significant pressure already weighing on businesses in Europe, from high energy costs and supply chain disruptions to unnecessary red tape and intensifying global competition, getting that balance right matters. If Europe fails to send clear signals that it remains a predictable place to invest, capital will go elsewhere.

AmCham EU supports the objectives of the IAA, but its success will depend on how it is designed. A central question in the debate is how ‘European preference’ should be approached. Strengthening Europe’s economic resilience and security is a legitimate objective. However, an approach that creates uncertainty for companies from partner countries, particularly by leaving key decisions to secondary legislation, risks undermining investment and limiting access to the technologies needed for the transition.

The focus should instead be on providing clarity early and rewarding companies that create real EU-added value through manufacturing, R&D, skills and emissions reductions. Learn more in our full paper.

Industry
Energy
Read more
Read more about Industrial Accelerator Act: keeping Europe competitive and open to investment