Trust, cooperation and optimism- the transatlantic digital economy

Data has become the primary driver of our digitalised economy, and it impacts every facet of our lives. In fact, it is estimated that by the end of 2021 alone,60% of the global GDP will be digitalised. Knowing this, AmCham EU hosted the 9th edition of its annual Transatlantic Digital Economy Conference on Thursday, 28 October. This year’s event featured discussions on how private and public entities can channel the power of data to fuel Europe’s digital decade and foster transatlantic ties.

News
2 Nov 2021
Digital, Financial services, Social impact, inclusion and skills, Trade
Trust, cooperation and optimism- the transatlantic digital economy

Data has become the primary driver of our digitalised economy, and it impacts every facet of our lives. In fact, it is estimated that by the end of 2021 alone,60% of the global GDP will be digitalised. Knowing this, AmCham EU hosted the 9th edition of its annual Transatlantic Digital Economy Conference on Thursday, 28 October. This year’s event featured discussions on how private and public entities can channel the power of data to fuel Europe’s digital decade and foster transatlantic ties.

The conference, sponsored by Facebook, featured a keynote speech from Mark Boris Andrijanič, Minister for Digital Transformation, Republic of Slovenia. After an introduction from Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU, the Minister talked about how governments can use the power of data.

The opening speech was followed by a panel discussion on how the EU can best frame data management and regulation moderated by Jeremy Rollison (Microsoft), Vice-Chair of the Digital Economy Committee, AmCham EU. The panel featured Malte Beyer-Katzenberger, Team Leader, Data Policy and Innovation, DG Connect, European Commission, Francesco Buonarroti, IT Vice-President and Chief Information Officer, Janssen EMEA (Johnson & Johnson), Miapetra Kumpula-Natri, Member of the European Parliament (FIN, S&D) and Reinhilde Veugelers, Senior Fellow, Bruegel.

As a closing keynote speaker, Molly Montgomery, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, US Department of State, gave a speech on transatlantic cooperation in the data space and in the context of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC).

Not only is data essential for the transatlantic alliance, but it will be a key pillar for achieving the EU’s ambitions for a ‘digital decade’. This conference served as a valuable lesson of how we must use - based on the ongoing positive momentum - the opportunities that arise to harness the power of data on the basis of trust, cooperation and optimism.  

If you want to find out more about the role of data in the digital age, you can read our latest blogpost hereor watch our interviews with Rosa and Nutrinomics, two data-driven start-ups. 

Related items

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

Trade
Transatlantic
Trade tensions
Read more
Read more about One year on from ‘Liberation Day’, the transatlantic economy still stands strong – but it needs stability
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.

Trade
Customs and trade facilitation
Read more
Read more about MC14: deep concern over e-commerce moratorium deadlock
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.’ 

Transatlantic
Trade
Read more
Read more about EU-US deal: European Parliament reaches position on tariff reductions