Moving the needle on competitiveness
News
28 Jan 2025
Moving the needle on competitiveness

Commenting on the Competitiveness Compass presented, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU, said: 'The Compass confirms the Commission’s intent to tackle the EU’s competitiveness gap, in particular the regulatory burden. Whether or not this moves the needle will only become clear once the roadmap is translated into concrete action. There is no time to waste.

The first real test will be the omnibus simplification package. That is where the Commission can show its ability to deliver simpler rules and speedier administrative procedures. Investors need a clear signal that Europe understands the severity of the economic situation and the role that the regulatory framework plays.

Our primary concern with the Compass is its plan to introduce European preference in public procurement. The private capital and innovation from American companies, including the €3.7 trillion worth of US investment located in the EU, bring massive benefits to the EU economy. The EU should take full advantage of this longstanding partnership to reinforce its resilience.’

Related items

Position Paper
18 Feb 2026

Harmonising electronic invoicing in the EU

The EU’s e-invoicing landscape is increasingly fragmented, with Member States imposing divergent formats, extra data fields, inconsistent definitions, validation rules and implementation timelines that drive up compliance costs – especially for SMEs – and undermine the Single Market.

Reforming the EU’s e-invoicing landscape is vital to deliver upon the vast simplification potential of VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) and the Public Procurement Directive revision.

Learn more about why the EU should establish a harmonised, interoperable EU framework for B2G and B2B e-invoicing by mandating the use of a common standard and limited variety of syntaxes, establishing common transmission methods and supporting efficient implementation.  

Read more about Harmonising electronic invoicing in the EU
News
18 Feb 2026

AmCham EU meets with US Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs

On Tuesday, 17 February, AmCham EU met with Caleb Orr, US Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs, to exchange views on transatlantic economic priorities. Malte Lohan, CEO, opened the discussion by highlighting the importance of a strong and predictable business environment for US companies operating in the EU. The exchange focused on regulatory and investment conditions affecting international business, as well as the broader EU-US trade relationship and the value of continued economic cooperation. Participants also discussed cooperation on critical mineral supply chains, underlining the importance of coordinated transatlantic efforts to strengthen economic security, resilience and competitiveness. 

Energy
Transatlantic
Read more
Read more about AmCham EU meets with US Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs
News
18 Feb 2026

Meeting with Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister to discuss recovery and EU integration

On Tuesday, 17 February, AmCham EU met with Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Vsevolod Chentsov, Head of Mission of Ukraine to the European Union. Malte Lohan, CEO, opened the discussion by reaffirming AmCham EU’s continued support for Ukraine’s recovery and EU integration, highlighting the importance of maintaining close transatlantic cooperation during Ukraine’s reconstruction. The exchange focused on aligning recovery efforts with the accession process, strengthening rule of law and investment conditions and ensuring fair access for international companies to EU recovery mechanisms. Participants also discussed the value of structured dialogue with the private sector to support implementation and attract long-term investment, underscoring shared commitment to Ukraine’s resilience and growth. Learn more about the role business can play in Ukraine’s recovery. 

Ukraine
Read more
Read more about Meeting with Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister to discuss recovery and EU integration