American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union

AmCham EU

AmCham EU speaks for American business committed to Europe on trade, investment and competitiveness issues. It aims to ensure a growth-orientated business and investment climate in Europe. AmCham EU facilitates the resolution of transatlantic issues that impact business and plays a role in creating better understanding of EU & US positions on business matters. Total US investment in Europe amounts to $700 billion, and currently supports over 4 million jobs.

History

The American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union has its roots in the committee structure of the American Chamber of Commerce to Belgium. Starting off in the form of the ‘Common Market Panel’ in the early 1960s, the organisation evolved over the years first to the ‘EEC Committee’ in 1978, then to the ‘EU Committee’ in 1995.

The EU Committee changed its name to AmCham EU in 2003 and became an independent organisation on January 1st 2004. It is a Belgian not-for-profit organisation with its own secretariat and annual budget. AmCham EU has an Executive Council, a group of executives responsible for European operations of US multinationals.

Role and Purpose

The primary purpose of both AmCham EU and the Executive Council is to play an active role in the successful development of the Single Market throughout all EU Member States. They therefore direct their energies towards the EU institutions, the EU Member States, the EU accession countries and Wider Europe and the US.

AmCham EU is valued as an independent source of quality information and analysis. This reputation has helped the organisation to build and benefit from close ties with EU officials. Through participation in working policy groups, members prioritise issues, develop position papers, organise meetings, workshops, seminars and conferences which provide a platform for open exchange of information and ideas.
The Vision of AmCham EU is to be:

The most valued lobbying force in the EU;
The representation body for US business in the EU; and
A trusted discussion partner for European institutions and governments.

AmCham EU's priorities are to achieve the right regulatory environment for economic growth in the European Union through three drivers:

furthering open markets;
fostering innovation; and
pursuing balanced sustainable development

This Membership lead Membership driven organisation is currently chaired by John Vassallo, Vice President, EU Affairs and Associate General Counsel, Microsoft Europe. The Managing Director is Susan Danger who oversees a secretariat of 20 professional staff.

Policy Committees

1. Agriculture & Food
2. Competition Policy
3. Consumer Affairs
4. Customs & Trade Facilitation
5. Digital Economy
6. Enlargement & Wider Europe
7. Environment
8. Financial Services & Company Law
9. Healthcare
10. Institutional Affairs
11. Intellectual Property
12. Security & Defence
13. Social Affairs
14. Trade & External Affairs
15. Transport & Energy

Publications

AmCham EU’s publications enjoy a wide distribution both in Brussels and throughout Europe. These publications include a Guide to the European Parliament, an Information Handbook, and Environment Guide, and an EU Made Simple Handbook. In communicating its views to the institutions via position statements, publications, meetings and its web site, AmCham EU’s primary role continues to be the contribution to the development of policy and legislation at the drafting stage, thereby playing an important role in the development of Europe’s economy.

Membership

AmCham EU’s membership currently comprises around 140 companies, the majority are US multinational corporations but 25% of the members are Law Firms and Public Affairs consultancies, there are also a small number of international corporations who have demonstrated strong US business links. Over one-third feature in the Fortune 100 list of major American companies.

European Council of American Chambers of Commerce (ECACC)