Brussels, 24 December 2020 - Today, the EU and the UK have reached an agreement on the terms of their future relationship. This deal is a fundamental building block towards a strong and ambitious partnership across the Channel that we trust will continue to develop in the future.
EU-UK deal marks beginning of new partnership
Brussels, 24 December 2020 - Today, the EU and the UK have reached an agreement on the terms of their future relationship. This deal is a fundamental building block towards a strong and ambitious partnership across the Channel that we trust will continue to develop in the future.
Most importantly, this agreement takes a No Deal scenario off the table. At a time of great economic hardship in the midst of a global pandemic, EU and UK leaders have managed to avoid another hard hit for companies of all sizes operating in the EU and the UK. Companies will require time to analyse the deal in detail and understand how the new relationship will impact their specific operations.
Our members remain concerned about how quickly they will need to adapt to the new requirements with a deal struck at a very late stage and at the eve of an important holiday in the region. Both parties should swiftly clarify when and how the new rules will be phased in as detailed guidance and substantial time will be necessary. The concerns of our members were reported on in an article by the Wall Street Journal published on Friday, 25 December 2020.
The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) now calls on the Member States, the European Parliament and the UK Parliament to endorse the agreement.
Zeger Vercouteren, Chair, AmCham EU, said: ‘While this agreement marks a turning point for the EU and the UK, it is only the beginning of their new partnership. We hope the deal creates the right framework and political context for close cooperation on many areas of mutual interest, including the new barriers to trade and investment that will arise in the future. The EU-UK relationship will need to adapt as our economies and societies evolve.’ He went on to say: ‘The EU and the UK should also continue to work together with like-minded partners, such as the US, to address the world’s largest challenges. The EU, the UK and the US share important values and their economies are deeply intertwined. Their joint leadership will be critical to setting standards for the global economy.’
American companies are heavily invested in both the EU and the UK. Europe receives 60 percent of all US foreign direct investment (FDI), out of which one quarter is located in the UK. The supply chains of AmCham EU’s member companies are highly integrated across the Channel, as they have often used the UK as a springboard to the Single Market for many years.
Related items
:focal())
News
27 Nov 2025
Advocating for open, rules-based trade in Strasbourg
On Tuesday, 25 and Wednesday, 26 November 2025, AmCham EU travelled to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. Over the two-day programme, the delegation met with nearly a dozen MEPs and advisors for an exchange on the future of EU trade policy. Discussions centred on the importance of transatlantic cooperation, the ratification of the EU-Mercosur agreement and the implementation of the EU-US Framework Agreement. Members underlined the need for an ambitious EU trade agenda that ensures market access, reduces tariff and non-tariff barriers and strengthens the resilience of European industry. The delegation also called for a swift adoption of the Commission’s proposal on tariff reduction on US industrial goods and reiterated the importance of a pragmatic, forward-looking transatlantic agenda that promotes predictability and economic security.
:focal(610x264:611x265))
News
1 Oct 2025
Examining where transatlantic trade goes from here with POLITICO
At the POLITICO Competitive Europe Summit, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU reiterated the need for swift implementation of the EU-US Framework Agreement and renewed its call for greater simplification of EU rules. Mr Lohan expressed cautious support for the deal, noting its role in avoiding damaging escalation and restoring a degree of predictability. He also underscored the importance of reducing regulatory burdens, highlighting simplification as a strategic priority for competitiveness. With the priority now on timely tariff reductions, regulatory cooperation and simplification, find out how our members see the deal evolving.
Mr Lohan was joined by Matthias Jørgensen, Head of Unit, USA and Canada, Directorate-General for Trade, European Commission and Jovita Neliupšienė, EU Ambassador to the US
:focal())
News
28 Sep 2025
Bolstering EU-US business ties in DC
From Monday, 22 September to Thursday, 25 September 2025, AmCham EU led a delegation of members to Washington, DC for a series of high-level meetings with US policymakers and stakeholders. The delegation engaged with Congressional offices, US federal agencies and transatlantic institutions to discuss regulatory developments, trade priorities and the future of EU-US economic and political cooperation. The visit sought to reinforce the transatlantic relationship, advocate for regulatory alignment and promote open dialogue on shared strategic challenges, including competitiveness, security and digital policy.
On Monday, 22 September, the delegation kicked off with a high-level meeting with the US Chamber of Commerce. Discussions focused on the economic outlook, regulatory divergence and the implementation of the EU-US trade framework agreement. AmCham EU underlined the role of cooperation within the business community in supporting a pragmatic and forward-looking transatlantic agenda.
On Tuesday, 23 September, the group met with the Delegation of the EU to the US, as well as representatives from the House of Representatives and the Senate. Meetings covered the current political landscape, foreign policy coordination and EU-US economic cooperation, particularly in light of new regulatory initiatives on both sides of the Atlantic. The day concluded with a roundtable at the Atlantic Council on the future of the transatlantic trade relationship.
The group began Wednesday, 24 September, at a breakfast roundtable on digital trade, with contributions from the EU Delegation and US Department of Commerce. The discussion focused on data flows, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and the outlook for digital cooperation. Later in the day, the group met with senior officials from the Office of the US Trade Representative and the US Departments of Treasury and State, where conversations centred on regulatory convergence, market access and the importance of aligning strategic priorities.
On Thursday, 25 September, the delegation met with the European Parliament Liaison Office and the US Department of Commerce. These final discussions centred on the experiences of US businesses operating in Europe and reinforced AmCham EU’s commitment to supporting a constructive and stable transatlantic relationship. Members reiterated the need for open dialogue and continued cooperation to address shared challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth.
Throughout the visit, AmCham EU stressed the value of the transatlantic partnership as a key driver of global prosperity. With US companies investing over €3.7 trillion in Europe and supporting close to five million jobs, the transatlantic economy remains the strongest, most integrated bilateral relationship in the world. AmCham EU reaffirmed its role as a trusted knowledge partner and advocated for policies that foster innovation, sustainability and long-term competitiveness.
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.