From Tuesday, 16 to Wednesday, 17 June, AmCham EU travelled to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France for a series of meetings on EU trade and external affairs policy developments. The delegation engaged with Members of the European Parliament and political group advisers to share business perspectives on the future of the EU-US relationship. Discussions focused on the need to reset transatlantic trade and investment ties, strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and preserve open, rules-based markets. Members also highlighted the importance of avoiding tariffs, reducing regulatory complexity, deepening cooperation on economic security, critical supply chains and digital policy as well as ensuring that resilience measures remain proportionate, predictable and open to trusted partners.

On Tuesday, 10 June, Thibaut L’Ortye spoke at EUROPEN’s panel on Global Partnerships and the EU Single Market. The discussion focused on how Europe can strengthen its competitiveness and attractiveness as an investment destination. Mr L’Ortye underlined the importance of external partnerships to support supply chains, particularly in areas such as critical minerals and AI, as well as secondary raw materials. He also highlighted the need for the EU to remain open to international investors while pursuing its economic security objectives.

Authored by Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU

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.

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.’ 

On Tuesday, 24 March, AmCham EU hosted Leopoldo Rubinacci, Deputy Director-General, Directorate-General for Trade, European Commission, to discuss the changing landscape of transatlantic trade in a context of rising protectionism and uncertainty. The meeting was timely as Transatlantic stakeholders eagerly wait for the European Parliament vote on Thursday, 26 March, on the EU-US Framework Agreement. The discussion also looked at differences in areas such as tariffs, industrial policy and market access, and how these affect businesses operating across the Atlantic. The importance of continued dialogue and cooperation to manage these challenges and avoid further disruption to global trade was also highlighted.