On Tuesday, 15 June, AmCham EU CEO Susan Danger took the stage at the GLOBSEC 2021 Bratislava Forum to discuss the global trade agenda, and whether optimism for multilateralism has now been restored after President Biden proclaimed the US to be ‘back’.
Trust key to restoring optimism for global trade
On Tuesday, 15 June, AmCham EU CEO Susan Danger took the stage at the GLOBSEC 2021 Bratislava Forum to discuss the global trade agenda, and whether optimism for multilateralism has now been restored after President Biden proclaimed the US to be ‘back’.
The engaging and lively discussion took place in hybrid format, with moderator Sasha Vakulina, Business Editor, Euronews appearing live in Bratislava alongside panellist Wilhelm Molterer, Chairman, Board of Directors, GLOBSEC in front of a limited audience, while fellow panellists Cecilia Malmström, Visiting Professor, University of Gothenburg, and Huiyao Wang, Founder and President, Center for China and Globalization logged in remotely.
The discussion focused on how to restore optimism in the global trading system in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Susan Danger opined that the most important element is trust; and that this must first be built between the transatlantic partners in the EU and the US by addressing the most pressing irritants in their relationship. These irritants include the aircraft subsidies dispute, which has been litigated for over 17 years; the US section 232 import tariffs on steel and aluminium emanating from the EU; the ongoing search for a successor agreement to the Privacy Shield data transfer mechanism between the EU and the US, since the former’s invalidation by the Court of Justice of the EU in 2020; and the WTO’s reform agenda.
She voiced her wish to see a strong, balanced and inclusive economic recovery that encompasses both sides of the Atlantic, but also recognised the transatlantic responsibility to the support developing world’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. She expressed the wish to see remaining barriers trade to be lifted, while considering a roadmap to address emerging issues. She also called for practitioners to sell the need for trade and the benefits of multilateralism better to citizens, who are increasingly concerned by perceived erosions of sovereignty.
Fellow panellist Wilhelm Molterer agreed that trade is key to the economic recovery, and that now is the right time for optimism. He shared the view that restoring the WTO is fundamental to the future of multilateralism. Huiyao Wang also expressed his optimism for global trade – reminding the audience that trade had brought prosperity and peace to all areas of the globe. However, he acknowledged that growing tendencies towards protectionism and deglobalisation in recent years must be addressed. Cecilia Malmström pointed to the fact that even in the height of the pandemic, trade has worked. Vital shops remained open, while shelves remained stocked. She concluded that the pandemic has highlighted supply chain fragilities, but that companies have already begun adapting by diversifying their supply lines and developing resilience.
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.