On Tuesday 10 March, the European Commission has announced its plan for a renewed industrial strategy to bolster the EU’s competitiveness. The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) is encouraged by the focus on an integrated approach that promotes industrial innovation and recognises the importance of value chains.
US business in Europe supports integrated EU industrial strategy
On Tuesday 10 March, the European Commission has announced its plan for a renewed industrial strategy to bolster the EU’s competitiveness. The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) is encouraged by the focus on an integrated approach that promotes industrial innovation and recognises the importance of value chains.
AmCham EU has identified four priorities for a successful EU industrial strategy that require coordinated policy actions, supported by concrete tools and assessed against measurable targets, both at EU and national levels:
Digitising European industry: fostering investment and innovation in people, technologies and processes
Creating the right environment for a clean future
Accelerating the EU circular economy
Reinforcing the rules-based trading system and reinvigorating the transatlantic partnership
Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU, said: ‘An industrial strategy can only be successful if it pulls together the different strands of the economy. The Commission’s approach has the potential to reinforce the EU’s leading role on the world stage.’ She went on to say: ‘In order to support initiatives such as the European Green Deal and the Digital Strategy, the EU needs to remain competitive globally. Innovation and investment are essential to drive the climate transition and digital transformation.’
The Single Market is critical to European jobs and prosperity. As recognised in the strategy, the Commission and Member States need to work together to overcome its fragmentation. The Single Market remains the main driver of foreign direct investment into Europe.
AmCham EU’s key recommendations and vision for industry in the EU are available here.
Related items
:focal())
Position Paper
21 Apr 2026
Industrial Accelerator Act: keeping Europe competitive and open to investment
The Industrial Accelerator Act will be a key test of whether the EU can strengthen industrial competitiveness while advancing decarbonisation. With significant pressure already weighing on businesses in Europe, from high energy costs and supply chain disruptions to unnecessary red tape and intensifying global competition, getting that balance right matters. If Europe fails to send clear signals that it remains a predictable place to invest, capital will go elsewhere.
AmCham EU supports the objectives of the IAA, but its success will depend on how it is designed. A central question in the debate is how ‘European preference’ should be approached. Strengthening Europe’s economic resilience and security is a legitimate objective. However, an approach that creates uncertainty for companies from partner countries, particularly by leaving key decisions to secondary legislation, risks undermining investment and limiting access to the technologies needed for the transition.
The focus should instead be on providing clarity early and rewarding companies that create real EU-added value through manufacturing, R&D, skills and emissions reductions. Learn more in our full paper.
:focal())
News
18 Feb 2026
AmCham EU meets with US Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs
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.
Position Paper
4 Nov 2025
A Circular Economy Act for a sustainable and competitive Single Market
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.
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.