AmCham EU endorses the objectives of the COP 28 conference and the emissions reduction targets outlined by the Paris Agreement. American companies in Europe are actively engaged in developing innovative low-carbon technologies, promoting green finance and minimising their environmental footprint. Along with these positive steps, there is an ongoing need for stronger collective action. Only through continued dialogue between world leaders from developed to developing countries and stakeholders from small and medium-sized enterprises as well as global corporations can we transition to a low-carbon economy and address the climate crisis.
Initiatives in the EU and the US to build sustainable, prosperous and resilient economies are commendable and should be enhanced by deep and sustained transatlantic cooperation. Given the volatile global environment, transatlantic unity is needed more than ever. In this spirit of cooperation, American companies in Europe are committed to collaborating with policymakers to foster a successful green transition around the world.
Uniting for a greener future at COP28
From Thursday, 30 November, leaders from around the world will convene in Dubai for the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) to discuss strategies for accelerating progress toward the Paris Agreement’s goals. These conversations are critical as we witness the concrete consequences of climate change across the globe.
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Keeping Europe open and competitive with our Executive Council
Predictability in EU-US relations and Europe’s competitiveness agenda, from simplification to European preference, were centre stage during our Executive Council Fall Plenary on Monday, 9 and Tuesday, 10 November. Our senior business leaders met with EU, US, Canadian and Member State policymakers, as well as industry and think-tank leaders, to discuss the pressures shaping investment decisions in Europe.
The group engaged with the following: Nerijus Aleksiejūnas, Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the European Union; Enrico Letta, President of the Jacques Delors Institute; Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, European Commission; Andrew Puzder, Ambassador of the United States to the European Union; Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy; Sir Jonathan Symonds, President of the European Round Table for Industry and Chair of GSK and Jonathan Wilkinson, Ambassador of Canada to the European Union.
Throughout the two days, exchanges explored how to maintain momentum on Single Market integration, deliver meaningful regulatory simplification and strengthen the role of industry in developing skills and creating quality jobs. Discussions also touched on the changing international trade landscape, the importance of EU-US cooperation and the priorities that will shape the upcoming Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Learn more about our Executive Council here.
Making web scraping rules work for AI
The European Data Protection Board’s draft guidelines on web scraping for generative AI are an opportunity to provide greater legal certainty and support Europe’s AI competitiveness. However, some proposed requirements risk creating disproportionate burdens for AI developers.
A pragmatic, risk-based approach is needed to ensure the rules reflect the technical realities of AI development. This includes proportionate transparency obligations, recognition of the need for diverse training datasets and greater alignment with the AI Act and Digital Omnibus. Clear, harmonised rules are essential to protect personal data while enabling innovation.
Read our consultation response to learn more about the recommendations.
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Discussing EU-US trade after the midterms with KAS and BDI
On Thursday, 5 November, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU, spoke at a discussion hosted by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Europe and the Federation of German Industries (BDI) on EU-US trade relations after the US midterms. Mr Lohan stressed that elections change the conversation, though not necessarily the outcomes. While the midterms shift power on Capitol Hill, he was not sure this would extend to transatlantic relations, certainly not in the short term. He noted the Turnberry Agreement has brought much-needed predictability, but the relationship remains volatile, with flashpoints ahead that could put stability at risk. The agreement should be solidified and built on, with a move from strategic autonomy to strategic complementarity that will resonate in Washington. Exploring new avenues for partnering where interests align is worthwhile for a $9.8 trillion relationship that employs over 16 million people on both sides of the Atlantic. Learn more about the latest EU-US trade developments in the Transatlantic Economy Pulse.
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