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On Tuesday, 2 December, AmCham EU took part in a roundtable discussion with Christopher Landau, US Deputy Secretary of State. With the implementation of the EU-US Framework Agreement moving forward, the discussions focused on building a more stable and competitive transatlantic business environment. Participants discussed the importance of an open Single Market and the urgency to move ahead with the EU’s work on simplification. The exchange also underlined the value of the transatlantic marketplace as a springboard for American companies to compete globally. Strengthening the partnership makes both sides more resilient and better positioned to respond to strategic challenges, including those posed by non-market economies.

On Friday, 21 November AmCham EU joined Ambassadors Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative, Andrew Puzder, US Ambassador to the European Union and Bill White, US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium. During the discussion, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU voiced strong support for the EU-US Framework Agreement, which offers the best path to improve the trade and investment climate, while addressing concerns about the economic impact of broad tariffs. AmCham EU continues to support other key parts of the deal, as well as calling on the European Parliament and Council to quickly adopt the Commission’s tariff reduction proposals with minimal changes.  

Urgency around simplification, predictability for businesses and the growing disconnect between political narrative and business reality were centre stage during AmCham EU’s Executive Council (ExCo) Fall plenary on Monday, 3 and Tuesday, 4 November in Brussels. With a view from the boardroom of some of the largest companies invested in Europe, the senior leaders emphasised how complex and overlapping rules are making it harder to plan, invest and grow in the region. They stressed that the current focus on adding new requirements is not matched by efforts to reduce or align existing ones. The result is a business environment that feels increasingly unpredictable, despite policy goals aimed at growth and competitiveness. 

Julie Linn Teigland, Chair, Executive Council, AmCham EU, said: ‘The ExCo was encouraged by the earnest and determined focus of simplification agenda and how both Commission and Council are putting competitiveness at the centre of EU policy making. The way forward is to set ambitious goals and deliver on them. We truly believe that Europe has the right capabilities and potential to stay an attractive place for investment, growth and innovation.’ 

In meetings with senior EU and US officials, including Ambassador Carsten Grønbech-Jensen, Permanent Representation of Denmark to the EU; Ambassador Aingeal O’Donoghue, Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU; Ambassador Andrew Puzder, US Mission to the EU and Björn Seibert, Head of Cabinet to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the group of business leaders reinforced the call for clearer, more consistent regulation and a renewed commitment to strengthening the Single Market. Underpinning the discussion was the need for progress on the EU-US Framework agreement, one that provides a path to predictability for businesses. 

Europe must act now to safeguard its competitiveness. That means cutting complexity, ensuring policy matches business reality and deepening ties with trusted partners. If Europe wants to lead on innovation, sustainability and security, it must first be a place where business can thrive.