On Tuesday, 20 September, AmCham EU hosted a plenary on trade featuring a keynote from Rupert Schlegelmilch, Director for the Americas, Agriculture and Food Safety, Directorate-General for Trade, European Commission. The keynote focused on the opportunities and challenges for the transatlantic trade relationship, how to mitigate risks to Europe’s energy supply security and possibilities for stakeholder engagement at the next Trade and Technology Council.
Rentrée Plenary: talking trade
On Tuesday, 20 September, AmCham EU hosted a plenary on trade featuring a keynote from Rupert Schlegelmilch, Director for the Americas, Agriculture and Food Safety, Directorate-General for Trade, European Commission. The keynote focused on the opportunities and challenges for the transatlantic trade relationship, how to mitigate risks to Europe’s energy supply security and possibilities for stakeholder engagement at the next Trade and Technology Council.
In the panel discussion that followed, discussions covered trade strategy more broadly, highlighting the EU’s autonomous tools, the importance of WTO reform and the EU-China relationship. The discussion was moderated by Andrea Tognoni, Head of Trade and External Relations, SEC Newgate EU and featured the following guest speakers:
Weinian Hu, Associate Research Fellow in the Foreign Policy unit, Centre for European Policy Studies
Piotr Rydzkowski, Head of Trade Strategy Unit, Directorate-General for Trade, European Commission
Hilda Sandberg, Counsellor for Trade, Permanent Representation of Sweden to the European Union
For further background, please read our paper on the Anti-Coercion Instrument and our latest Transatlantic Economy Report.
Related items
:focal())
Blog
2 Apr 2026
One year on from ‘Liberation Day’, the transatlantic economy still stands strong – but it needs stability
Authored by Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU
:focal())
News
30 Mar 2026
MC14: deep concern over e-commerce moratorium deadlock
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.
:focal())
News
26 Mar 2026
EU-US deal: European Parliament reaches position on tariff reductions
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.’
Policy priorities
Insights and advocacy driving Europe’s policy agenda. Our priorities support growth, innovation and a stronger transatlantic economy.
Membership
Connecting business and policymakers to strengthen the voice of American companies in Europe.