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European Green Deal
What our planet looks like tomorrow will depend on how we balance economic recovery and environmental protection today. AmCham EU companies are playing an active role in the transition towards a greener economy in Europe. With clearly defined targets, and a path for achieving them, our member companies will continue to be constructive partners in the definition and implementation of climate policies.
All eyes on COP27
In November 2022, the COP27 conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt brought together world leaders to move towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The conference may be over, but the work continues. Going forward, all parties must double down on their commitments and implement measures to address climate change mitigation, adaptation, finance and enhance collaboration to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To succeed, we must aim to drive investment in low-carbon technologies, prepare for the socio-economic consequences of the energy transition and set near-term milestones to reach our long-term targets. Further public investment is needed to support demonstration projects and emerging technologies that can lead the world of tomorrow. Only through cooperation and shared dialogue between all stakeholders can we achieve the carbon-neutral economy that is necessary to benefit the lives of generations to come. See our recommendations following 2021's COP26 conference.
Transitioning to a greener economy will be the challenge of our time. The European Union has an ambition to lead the green transition and American companies are on board with Europe’s green way to the future. Our members are innovating today to achieve a more sustainable tomorrow. Check out the examples of steps our companies are taking towards Europe's greener future as part of our #EUGreenWay campaign!
The European Commission’s Fit for 55 climate package aims to align European climate, transport and energy-related regulations with the 2030 55% greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. It includes more than a dozen legislative proposals, ranging from a carbon border adjustment mechanism to cleaner transport and energy efficiency. AmCham EU members are fully committed to making the objectives laid out in Fit for 55 work. For the package to be successful, it must respect the Better Regulation principles, avoid fragmentation, ensure regulatory certainty and be guided by international cooperation and innovation.
A successful transition to a more sustainable and resilient society will entail significant investment across all sectors of the economy. AmCham EU supports the EU’s initiatives to better leverage private capital towards climate and sustainability goals. They should be open, flexible and outward-looking to ensure equal and non-discriminatory access for third-country financial institutions, businesses and investors. This will attract and activate new pools of investment that can drive sustainable innovation across the EU.
Find out more about our priorities in sustainable finance:
Global food systems account for nearly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions and result in severe biodiversity losses; they need to be redesigned. Transitioning towards more sustainable food systems should be made in a holistic, fair and coordinated way, in cooperation with all actors at all levels of the food and feed supply chain.
Learn more about our recommendations on how to build sustainable food systems:
Forging Europe's green future as well as reaching both the 2030 and 2050 climate and energy targets will require steep uptake of cost-efficient innovations that can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon energy market. American companies in Europe are already researching, developing and investing in technologies that will be instrumental in reaching this overarching ambition. The establishment of a well-designed framework and strong digital coordination to foster the development of efficient solutions will help decarbonise the European energy market. International cooperation will also be paramount to achieve climate ambitions. Giving a central role to carbon pricing alongside likeminded partners can boost the reduction of emissions globally.
Discover our priorities on decarbonisation strategies:
The circular economy maintains the value of products, materials and resources for as long as possible, while safeguarding human health, protecting the environment and preserving Europe’s competitiveness. Business involvement is key to the success and implementation of the circular economy in Europe.
Explore our recommendations for building a sustainable future:
EU environmental policy should protect health and safety whilst enabling investment and growth. Priority must be given to the promotion of cutting-edge innovation that can find alternatives to harmful substances, which can protect human health and natural resources. Cooperation between governments, industry and civil society is critical to achieve circularity in products and services at every stage of their lifecycle. Protecting our environment is an economy-wide endeavour and requires a policy framework that enables sustainable growth, the pursuit of competitive advantages and innovation.
Learn more about our recommendations on how to best protect our environment:
The EU has pledged to decrease European transport emissions by 90% by 2050. AmCham EU is fully committed to contributing to this goal. However, any strategy to decarbonise the transport sector and increase its resilience should be clearly defined, encourage investment in automated mobility systems and promote a differentiated approach for distinct types of transport. The sustainability footprint of the transport sector can only be realised with the buy-in of all sections of society and while providing opportunities for Europe’s economic recovery.
Read more about our recommendations on the future of transport in the EU: