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On Tuesday, 21 April, AmCham EU hosted Renate Nikolay, Deputy Director-General, Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, European Commission, for a discussion on the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on intellectual property (IP). At a time when AI is reshaping how content is created, used and shared, the exchange explored the increasing pressure on existing IP frameworks. Moderated by Carmen Lembo (Qualcomm), Chair, Intellectual Property Committee, AmCham EU, the discussion covered questions around copyright, AI training and transparency, while also highlighting the importance of a policy framework that protects rights and supports innovation in Europe’s evolving digital economy.

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.

At the European Food Forum’s Navigating US Tariffs: Impact on European Food and Drink Trade, Economy and Future Relations, Edouard Coppieters, Senior Policy Adviser, AmCham EU, spoke about the new reality in which US agri-food companies operate. Taking place on Thursday, 9 April, he outlined the continued growth of EU-US agri-trade and the need for the EU to continue to diversify its trade partners, welcoming the recent announcement of deals with Australia and India. Alongside Brando Benifei, MEP (IT, S&D), he noted that tackling the uncertainty created by tariffs is essential and that to this end, the Framework Agreement between the EU and US is a needed stable basis. Although tariffs bring uncertainty, the EU must not lose sight of the predictability steps it can take to ensure it remains competitive and attractive to potential new trading partners.