AmCham EU’s 2025 Digital Economy Conference took place on Thursday, 20 November with the theme ‘A transatlantic agenda for growth, innovation and simplification’. The event brought together policymakers, regulators and industry leaders to explore how Europe and the US can align efforts to promote responsible innovation, resilient infrastructure and forward-looking regulation in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU, opened the conference with remarks highlighting the importance of strong transatlantic partnership to shape digital policy in an increasingly complex global environment. 

The first panel explored how Europe can foster responsible AI development while supporting global competitiveness. Gaspard Demur, Deputy Head of Unit, AI Innovation and Policy Coordination, EU AI Office, Directorate-General for Communications, Networks, Content and Technology, European Commission, outlined how the upcoming implementation of the EU AI Act will reflect Europe’s strategic priorities while supporting innovation. Michael McNamara, MEP (Renew, IE), underlined the need for a regulatory framework that combines legal certainty with support for research and investment. Marco Pancini, Managing Director, EU Office, Meta, emphasised that trust and openness are essential for AI adoption across sectors. Pastora Valero, Senior Vice-President, International Government Affairs, Cisco, stressed the importance of having the right frameworks in place to unlock Europe’s AI potential. The session was moderated by Luca Bertuzzi, Senior AI Correspondent, MLex. 

The conference continued with a second panel titled Cybersecurity: reinforcing transatlantic resilience. The discussion focused on how the EU and US can strengthen their joint response to emerging cybersecurity threats. Tjabbe Bos, Policy Officer, Cybersecurity and Digital Privacy Policy, Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, European Commission, emphasised that EU-US cooperation is critical to supporting resilience and strengthening collective defences. Didier Ongena, Vice-President, Global Government and EMEA Public Sector, Microsoft, spoke on the importance of ensuring cybersecurity frameworks remain agile and responsive to evolving risks. The panel was moderated by Antoaneta Roussi, Cyber and Intelligence Reporter, POLITICO. 

The third session examined how policymakers and industry can work together to design future-proof digital rules. Brando Benifei, MEP (S&D, IT), highlighted the importance of a harmonised digital Single Market in promoting innovation. Xavier Coget, Member of Cabinet, Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, European Commission, discussed the role of digital policy in advancing Europe’s global competitiveness. Laurent Monjole, Vice-President and Head of Government Affairs EMEA, Salesforce, underlined the need for predictable and coherent regulation to support investment and growth across the transatlantic economy. The discussion was moderated by Raziye Akkoç, EU correspondent, AFP. 

The conference concluded with a fireside chat between Despina Spanou, Deputy Director-General, Cybersecurity and Trust, Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, European Commission, and Thibaut L’Ortye, Senior Director of Public Affairs, AmCham EU. Their conversation focused on building a secure and trusted digital environment and the importance of common standards in strengthening Europe’s digital resilience. 

Thanks to everyone who attended, as well as our Premium sponsor, Salesforce.