On Tuesday, 17 May AmCham EU hosted an event to discuss the future of EU trade policy and how to bridge the gap between European and local levels. Despite the size, importance and strength of trade, the benefits of globalisation are often questioned. Exports - supported by trade relationships like the $1.1 trillion transatlantic partnership - support one in seven jobs in the EU. Yet, trade disputes and rising protectionism continue to pose real threats to the support of international trade in Europe. In order to provide prosperity to citizens in a changing economy while contributing to the green transition, panelists highlighted the importance of cooperation between policymakers, business and other stakeholders.
The panel featured Cristina Falcone, Vice-President Public Affairs Europe, UPS; Heidi Hautala, MEP (Greens/EFA, FI) and Andrey Kovatchev, MEP (EPP, BG), and it was moderated by Thibaut L'Ortye, Director of Public Affairs, AmCham EU.
To further understand how international exports impact regional employment and production, read AmCham EU’s study, Exporting to the World, EU Regions and Trade.
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Authored by Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU
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The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) is deeply concerned by World Trade Organization members’ failure to reach agreement on the moratorium on E-Commerce at the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon. The absence of an agreement undermines legal certainty for businesses and consumers worldwide. This deadlock further underscores the need for significant WTO reform.
Since its introduction, the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions has played a vital role in enabling the global digital economy by ensuring the smooth cross-border exchange of digital goods and services. In an increasingly digitalised global economy, predictability remains essential for companies of all sizes operating across borders.
WTO members must now renew efforts to re-instate the moratorium at the next General Council meeting as a matter of priority. Delivering such an outcome would strengthen the multilateral trading system and better reflect the realities of modern trade.
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Today the European Parliament adopted its negotiating position on proposals to reduce tariffs on certain imports from the United States, in line with the July 2025 EU-US Framework Agreement. The Parliament’s vote clears the way for trilogues to finalise these proposals.
Reacting to the vote, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU, welcomed the Parliament’s decision as a necessary step towards a more predictable transatlantic marketplace: ‘The Parliament today has taken a decision that helps put the EU-US trade and investment relationship back on track. It is the right signal for businesses that have been stuck in limbo over the past year.’
‘AmCham EU opposes broad-based tariffs. However, given political priorities on both sides of the Atlantic, we still see the Framework Agreement as the most realistic route to securing a more constructive EU-US trade and investment climate’, Mr Lohan added. ‘We call on the Parliament and Member States to conclude trilogues swiftly. Once the tariff reductions are approved, the EU and the US can get back to advancing the cooperation the Framework Agreement envisages on a range of areas that benefit European and American businesses alike. We look to both sides to continue honouring their commitments throughout this process.’
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