At the European Food Forum’s Navigating US Tariffs: Impact on European Food and Drink Trade, Economy and Future Relations, Edouard Coppieters, Senior Policy Adviser, AmCham EU, spoke about the new reality in which US agri-food companies operate. Taking place on Thursday, 9 April, he outlined the continued growth of EU-US agri-trade and the need for the EU to continue to diversify its trade partners, welcoming the recent announcement of deals with Australia and India. Alongside Brando Benifei, MEP (IT, S&D), he noted that tackling the uncertainty created by tariffs is essential and that to this end, the Framework Agreement between the EU and US is a needed stable basis. Although tariffs bring uncertainty, the EU must not lose sight of the predictability steps it can take to ensure it remains competitive and attractive to potential new trading partners.

The EU’s agri-food regulatory framework is fragmented and lacks predictability. The Food and Feed Safety Omnibus is a chance to address these shortcomings by reducing delays, improving consistency and easing compliance burdens that limit market access. 

Uncertainty discourages investment and slows the uptake of new solutions. A more proportionate approach can improve legal certainty and support more consistent implementation across Member States. At the same time, maintaining a science-based, risk-based approach to trade measures is necessary to safeguard food security and avoid supply disruptions. 

At the Alimentaria Conference in Barcelona, Edouard Coppieters, Senior Policy Adviser, AmCham EU, spoke about placing competitiveness at the centre of the European agri-food ecosystem. Taking place on Tuesday, 24 March, he outlined the role of simplification and Better Regulation principles in ensuring a stable agri-food supply chain and supporting the sector’s competitiveness. He noted that the sector operates within an international trade environment and that stakeholders across the value chain face challenges in adapting to the current legislative framework. He emphasised the need to simplify operations within the Single Market and ensure that legislation is fit for purpose rather than a box-ticking exercise. Aurélie Dufour, Europe Sustainability Engagement and Regulation Lead, Yum! Brands and Dirk Jacobs, Director-General, FoodDrinkEurope also joined the panel.

On Tuesday, 9 December, AmCham EU hosted a discussion on the Food and Feed Omnibus and its role in simplifying Europe’s agri-food legislation. The conversation explored how a more coherent, innovation-friendly framework can reduce complexity and ease the administrative burden across the value chain. The discussion also underlined the importance of aligning regulation with scientific and technological progress, while reinforcing Europe’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy. Effective collaboration between policymakers and industry remains essential to ensure the Omnibus delivers practical improvements for operators throughout the agri-food sector.

During the panel, participants heard from Tyler Babcock, Senior Agricultural Attaché, US Mission to the European Union; Dr Eugene Kevin Foley-Friel, Agriculture Attaché, Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union and Astrid Sofie Vestergaard Nielsen, Food Attaché, Permanent Representation of Denmark to the European Union. The discussion was moderated by David Mills (Mondelēz International), Chair, Communications Group; Member of the Board of Directors and Vice-Chair, Agriculture & Food Committee, AmCham EU.

Innovation is key to ensuring long-term food security and sustainability. At Enough Food for All 2025, held on Monday, 23 June, stakeholders from across the transatlantic agricultural community came together to explore how innovative technologies can build more resilient food systems. The discussion focused on the power of innovation to boost productivity, reduce environmental impact and support global food stability. Speakers also highlighted the importance of regulatory alignment, rural investment and the importance of including farmers in legislation that impacts them.  

After Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU welcomed attendees, Michelle Bekkering, Deputy Under Secretary, US Department of Agriculture, underscored the power of innovation to drive productivity, reduce environmental impact and support global food stability via a video message. 

The panel discussion highlighted the need for a coherent EU policy framework to support the uptake of digital and biological solutions, from precision farming to gene editing. Speakers called for greater regulatory alignment, investment in rural infrastructure and improved stakeholder engagement. On the panel was Ali Abdi, Minister Counselor for Agricultural Affairs, US Mission to the European Union; Orsolya Frizon Somogyi, Acting Head of Unit, Research and Innovation, Outreach, Research and Geographical Indications, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission; Laila Pinheiro, Senior Executive, Public Affairs, Syngenta and Patrick Pagani, Deputy Secretary-General, Copa-Cogeca. 

Afterwards, the fireside chat with Herbert Dorfmann, MEP (EPP, IT) and Dr Juli Jessen, Global CEO, Gowan Company, reinforced the shared commitment to harnessing innovation for a secure and sustainable food future. Julie Vermooten (MSD), Chair, Agriculture and Food Committee, AmCham EU, moderated the discussions. Thanks to our sponsors Gowan and MSD Animal Health for making the event a success. 

On Thursday, 5 June, AmCham EU met with Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans. The meeting focused on shared priorities for a resilient, sustainable aquaculture sector and opportunities for transatlantic collaboration. AmCham EU highlighted the importance of science-based solutions, including prevention, digitalisation and animal welfare to ensure sustainable seafood production in line with EU green objectives. Edouard Coppieters, Senior Policy Adviser; Malte Lohan, CEO and Julie Vermooten (MSD), Chair, Agriculture and Food Committee, AmCham EU represented the organisation.