Transatlantic Week brought AmCham Slovenia to Brussels for a series of high-level discussions on the future of the transatlantic partnership, Europe’s competitiveness, and the role of business in a changing global environment.
Our CEO Ajša Vodnik, who also serves as Chair of AmChams in Europe, and Lara Luznar, our International Collaboration Specialist, attended the Brussels Briefing on March 16, the Transatlantic Conference on March 17, both organized by AmCham EU, as well as the first AmChams in Europe Brussels Doorknock on March 18.
At the Brussels Briefing, Liam Benham, Chair of AmCham EU and President of EU, NATO, and Government Affairs at The Boeing Company, shared a message of transatlantic optimism, reminding us that “there is so much that unites us.” He highlighted the importance of the $9.8 trillion transatlantic economy in creating jobs and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.
We also heard from Joe Quinlan, renowned Wall Street strategist and co-author of The Transatlantic Economy survey, in a conversation titled A View from Wall Street. Arriving directly from New York, he offered insights into the outlook for 2026 and the state of the transatlantic economy: “Numbers don’t lie.” Despite the challenges, the data gives many reasons for optimism, and confirms that Europe and the United States remain in the same transatlantic boat.
At the Transatlantic Conference, H.E. Andrew Puzder, U.S. Ambassador to the EU, reminded us that trade is not just about sales, but a lifeline. He stressed that a Europe rich in talent and innovation, and less burdened by bureaucracy, could be the best partner the U.S. could ask for.
One of the key themes was also the different approach to AI: 🔹 while the U.S. sees enormous opportunity, Europe still tends to view it more cautiously, as a risk. A few messages stood out:
🔹 “Capital goes where it is treated best.”
🔹 “You have everything — knowledge, innovation, businesses. Run it hot!”
🔹“The EU has the Draghi report… use it!”
The week concluded with the first ACE Brussels Doorknock 2026, jointly organized by AmChams in Europe. The initiative brought together American Chambers of Commerce from across Europe, collectively representing more than 17,000 companies from Europe and the U.S., and opened space for direct dialogue with European decision-makers on the issues shaping investment, innovation, economic growth, and Europe’s long-term resilience.
Several reflections stood out from the discussions. A clear message was that we are living in a different era: things no longer work the way they used to, and they will not go back. There was also a strong reminder that Europe’s greatest strength remains its unity — one Europe, one market — and that the question now is whether this strength will be fully leveraged or whether Europe risks drifting into a multi-speed reality. While the future of the EU may not be perfect, it was also clear that it remains the best framework we have.
Another important point was the need to continue defending the values that underpin the transatlantic partnership: democracy and the rules-based order. The message was equally clear when it came to Europe’s next steps — the EU already has a plan, and now is the time to act and execute.
Many perspectives were shared, but the core message from transatlantic business remained consistent: we need openness, predictability, stability, and deeper economic and industrial collaboration. One important takeaway was that AmCham business communities across the EU and wider Europe must continue to build and strengthen transatlantic bridges. We are simply too integrated and too invested for anything else. Businesses have been trusted partners and friends for decades. At the end of the day, what business seeks is simple: peace and prosperity.
