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.

News
28 Jun 2023
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.

Related items

Position Paper
24 Feb 2026

Industry coalition calls for Internal market legal basis in the Circular Economy Act

Together with industry associations representing a wide range of sectors, AmCham EU has signed a joint statement calling for the upcoming Circular Economy Act to be grounded in an internal market legal basis. The statement highlights the need for harmonised EU rules to address fragmentation in waste management systems across Member States and support the development of a functioning Single Market for secondary raw materials. It also underlines the importance of a consistent EU framework to strengthen circularity, improve waste management performance and support investment in recycling and resource efficiency.

Environment
Read more
Read more about Industry coalition calls for Internal market legal basis in the Circular Economy Act
News
24 Feb 2026

Closing the skills gap to restore Europe’s competitiveness

On Tuesday, 24 February, AmCham EU hosted Stefan Olsson, Deputy Director-General, Jobs, Skills and Social Policies, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, European Commission to discuss how closing the skills gap can strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. As shortages across sectors continue to affect productivity, investment and innovation, participants reflected on progress one year after the launch of the Union of Skills and the importance of sustained public-private cooperation. The discussion explored how Europe can build a future-ready workforce to support the green and digital transitions while addressing labour market mismatches. Aurelia Takacs (Cisco), Chair, Social Impact, Inclusion and Skills Committee, AmCham EU moderated the discussion and examined practical policy solutions to strengthen skills development, improve labour market alignment and support inclusive economic growth. 

Social impact, inclusion and skills
Read more
Read more about Closing the skills gap to restore Europe’s competitiveness
News
24 Feb 2026

Four years since Russia’s invasion, American business in Europe stands firmly behind Ukraine

Four years ago, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. On the anniversary of the invasion, the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) reiterates its condemnation of Russia’s aggression. It is a breach of international law and an assault on the values we stand for. The Ukrainian people have continued to demonstrate commendable bravery in the face of adversity and a growing humanitarian crisis. 

American companies in Europe remain steadfast in their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and are committed to the country’s reconstruction and recovery, underpinned by closer integration with the EU. Once peace is secured, the scale of the task ahead will be immense. Recent estimates from the World Bank put the cost of reconstruction and recovery at $588 billion over the next decade, underscoring both the urgency of action and the need to mobilise investment at unprecedented levels.  

In the past year, policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic have launched initiatives to encourage security and future prosperity in Ukraine, not least the Ukraine Support Loan, the US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund and the Flagship European Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine. American businesses stand ready to support the success of these efforts, which can only fully achieve their objectives with long-term security and stability in Ukraine.  

Ukraine
Read more
Read more about Four years since Russia’s invasion, American business in Europe stands firmly behind Ukraine