In a video address presented at AmCham EU’s 60th Anniversary Gala, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, congratulates the organisation for reaching this important milestone. ‘Today, I want to thank you not only for your leadership over the last 60 years, but also for your continued engagement to shape this new era of transatlantic friendship. 'Happy birthday, AmCham EU, and many happy returns’, said President von der Leyen. Watch her full remarks here.
President von der Leyen: ‘Happy birthday, AmCham EU!’
In a video address presented at AmCham EU’s 60th Anniversary Gala, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, congratulates the organisation for reaching this important milestone. ‘Today, I want to thank you not only for your leadership over the last 60 years, but also for your continued engagement to shape this new era of transatlantic friendship. 'Happy birthday, AmCham EU, and many happy returns’, said President von der Leyen. Watch her full remarks here.

‘I didn’t want to miss this opportunity to thank AmCham EU for six decades of bridge-building across the Atlantic. In these years in Brussels, there is something I have learnt about you. You are not only deeply committed to the transatlantic partnership, you have also been unwavering in promoting greater collaboration between the United States and Europe regardless of the political climate. I remember for instance the early months of my mandate. Back then, the relationship between Brussels and Washington was going through tough times, but you never got tired of reminding us how closely linked our two continents are. Our economic ties are unbreakable. Our security is indivisible. Our destinies are bound together. No one understand these links better than you and the transatlantic business community. And you have been an essential advocate of transatlantic unity through thick and thin. That is something to be grateful for and to celebrate, especially today.’
You can find the full transcript on the European Commission's website.
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