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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. 

The upcoming Circular Economy Act represents a crucial opportunity to address longstanding business challenges through simplification and the strengthening of the Single Market. Its success depends on revising the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) and the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, re-opening some provisions of the Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR) and the Single Market Transparency Directive, promptly adopting secondary legislation under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and implementing financial flanking measures where necessary.

Europe’s environmental rules have become increasingly complex, creating contradictory and duplicative requirements that undermine the EU’s competitiveness globally. With the Environmental Omnibus, the EU has an opportunity to streamline its most complex rules. Tackling overlaps, inconsistencies and excessive reporting obligations would improve legal clarity, enhance predictability and strengthen the business case for investment and the clean transition. From permitting to product sustainability, waste, chemicals and beyond, learn why clearer rules will drive Europe’s competitiveness and accelerate the green transition.