ECACC Chair Stephen Brugger

Stephen Brugger, chair of the European Council of American Chambers of Commerce (ECACC), introduces this unique and dynamic organization comprised of AmChams from 38 countries.

 

Dear Readers,

 

On behalf of my colleagues from American Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AmChams) across Europe and Eurasia, I am pleased to welcome you.

 

Through four regional organizations in Asia, Europe, the Gulf Countries and Latin America, AmChams represent the concerns and interests of the business community at the highest levels of government and business in trade policy development. The common bond between AmChams throughout the world is our accreditation by the United States Chamber of Commerce – the world’s largest business federation. The AmCham worldwide network currently encompasses106 AmChams in 91 countries, each one affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquartered in Washington, D.C.

 

Established in 1963, ECACC serves as the European umbrella organization for AmChams from 39 countries - representing the interests of more than 17,000 American and European companies employing 20 million workers. Originally comprised of mostly western European countries, ECACC has expanded rapidly over the past decade, and is playing a significant role in the emerging markets in Eastern Europe and Eurasia.

 

ECACC is committed to strengthening the Council’s position as a leading representative of American and European business across Europe and to providing a forum where member AmChams can share best practices and find solutions to challenges they mutually face. ECACC's strong international company base broadens our perspectives, interests and actions.

 

As a bilateral voice of U.S. and European companies, ECACC works to communicate the importance of the transatlantic economy - a vibrant and growing relationship - in both Europe and the United States. The transatlantic economy remains in many ways the foundation of the global economy—notwithstanding the much-discussed rise of emerging markets. Over the past five years the transatlantic economy has enjoyed one of its strongest periods of growth and prosperity in decades. Transatlantic trade, investment and affiliate revenues have soared, boosting employment, income and corporate earnings on both sides of the Atlantic. I am very proud of the unique role that AmChams play in this dynamic relationship.

 

The coming years will be pivotal ones for Europe, the United States and the future of the transatlantic relationship. As world economies become more competitive, closer cooperation and regulatory convergence between Europe and the U.S. is essential for the transatlantic economic partnership to continue to expand and thrive.

 

As ECACC Chair, I look forward to this exciting time and I can assure you that through ECACC, AmChams will continue to work together to make a difference across borders and continents.

 

 

Stephen Brugger, Executive Director of AmCham Denmark, was elected as the chair of the European Council of American Chamber of Commerce (ECACC) in November 2007 and has served on the ECACC Executive Committee since October 2005.  He lives and works in Copenhagen, Denmark.