On Friday, 20 October 2023, EU and US leaders will convene in Washington, DC, for the second EU-US summit under the current Administrations. This is an opportunity to solidify an ambitious transatlantic agenda after both sides intensified their cooperation over the last few years, not least through the Trade and Technology Council. The meeting takes place amidst geopolitical tensions that further highlight the need for EU-US leadership.
EU-US summit: an opportunity to boost transatlantic cooperation
On Friday, 20 October 2023, EU and US leaders will convene in Washington, DC, for the second EU-US summit under the current Administrations. This is an opportunity to solidify an ambitious transatlantic agenda after both sides intensified their cooperation over the last few years, not least through the Trade and Technology Council. The meeting takes place amidst geopolitical tensions that further highlight the need for EU-US leadership.
The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) urges President Biden, President Michel and President von der Leyen to use the summit as an opportunity to reiterate their strong commitment to the world’s largest and deepest relationship and the importance of transatlantic collaboration in strategic sectors. Three priorities deserve particular focus: finding a longstanding solution to the steel and aluminium tariff dispute and establish a Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminium (GSA); diversifying and strengthening critical mineral supply chains; and reaffirming their unwavering support for Ukraine.
Steel and aluminium tariffs
In 2021, the EU and the US announced a two-year pause in the transatlantic trade dispute over steel and aluminium tariffs and the start of negotiations on a GSA. If no solution is found by 31 October, tariffs will be reimposed as of 1 January 2024, hurting jobs, prosperity and security on both sides of the Atlantic. The EU and the US should reach an agreement to permanently remove reciprocal tariffs before the start of 2024. The new system should comply with World Trade Organization rules and maintain the possibility of including like-minded countries in the initiative. If no agreement is reached, the two parties should extend the deadline.
Critical raw materials
In March 2023, the EU and the US agreed to open negotiations on a Critical Minerals Agreement in order to diversify their supply chains and alleviate some of the European concerns over specific provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act. As leaders meet in Washington for the EU-US Summit, they must prioritise the finalisation of the deal. Any agreement should lay out clear parameters for industry, bilaterally eliminate export duties on a range of critical minerals used in battery production and apply existing international labour standards in mineral extraction and processing. Additionally, transatlantic partners could develop joint extraction or processing ventures in third countries through the EU Global Gateway project or the US/G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment.
Ukraine
In light of the continued war at the EU’s doorstep, the EU and the US must continue to support Ukraine. Transatlantic unity is a critical priority. The public and private sectors should be prepared to play an important role in planning for the country’s recovery and supporting its future economic prosperity. Ensuring respect for the rule of law will be important to enable meaningful engagement from all stakeholders.
The American business community in Europe stands behind every effort to advance transatlantic cooperation. AmCham EU looks forward to a productive EU-US summit that sets a clear direction towards more EU-US alignment and action on global challenges such as climate change, geopolitical tensions and the resilience of supply chains.
Related items
:focal())
News
3 Dec 2025
Meeting with Deputy Secretary Landau to advance transatlantic cooperation
On Tuesday, 2 December, AmCham EU took part in a roundtable discussion with Christopher Landau, US Deputy Secretary of State. With the implementation of the EU-US Framework Agreement moving forward, the discussions focused on building a more stable and competitive transatlantic business environment. Participants discussed the importance of an open Single Market and the urgency to move ahead with the EU’s work on simplification. The exchange also underlined the value of the transatlantic marketplace as a springboard for American companies to compete globally. Strengthening the partnership makes both sides more resilient and better positioned to respond to strategic challenges, including those posed by non-market economies.
:focal())
News
21 Nov 2025
AmCham EU meets with Ambassadors Greer, Puzder and White
On Friday, 21 November AmCham EU joined Ambassadors Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative, Andrew Puzder, US Ambassador to the European Union and Bill White, US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium. During the discussion, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU voiced strong support for the EU-US Framework Agreement, which offers the best path to improve the trade and investment climate, while addressing concerns about the economic impact of broad tariffs. AmCham EU continues to support other key parts of the deal, as well as calling on the European Parliament and Council to quickly adopt the Commission’s tariff reduction proposals with minimal changes.
:focal())
News
9 Nov 2025
Tackling competitiveness with our Executive Council
Urgency around simplification, predictability for businesses and the growing disconnect between political narrative and business reality were centre stage during AmCham EU’s Executive Council (ExCo) Fall plenary on Monday, 3 and Tuesday, 4 November in Brussels. With a view from the boardroom of some of the largest companies invested in Europe, the senior leaders emphasised how complex and overlapping rules are making it harder to plan, invest and grow in the region. They stressed that the current focus on adding new requirements is not matched by efforts to reduce or align existing ones. The result is a business environment that feels increasingly unpredictable, despite policy goals aimed at growth and competitiveness.
Julie Linn Teigland, Chair, Executive Council, AmCham EU, said: ‘The ExCo was encouraged by the earnest and determined focus of simplification agenda and how both Commission and Council are putting competitiveness at the centre of EU policy making. The way forward is to set ambitious goals and deliver on them. We truly believe that Europe has the right capabilities and potential to stay an attractive place for investment, growth and innovation.’
In meetings with senior EU and US officials, including Ambassador Carsten Grønbech-Jensen, Permanent Representation of Denmark to the EU; Ambassador Aingeal O’Donoghue, Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU; Ambassador Andrew Puzder, US Mission to the EU and Björn Seibert, Head of Cabinet to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the group of business leaders reinforced the call for clearer, more consistent regulation and a renewed commitment to strengthening the Single Market. Underpinning the discussion was the need for progress on the EU-US Framework agreement, one that provides a path to predictability for businesses.
Europe must act now to safeguard its competitiveness. That means cutting complexity, ensuring policy matches business reality and deepening ties with trusted partners. If Europe wants to lead on innovation, sustainability and security, it must first be a place where business can thrive.
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.