Doing Business in the European Union
National Export Initiative (NEI)
President Obama announced the National Export Initiative (NEI) two years ago, with the goal of doubling exports by 2014. The U.S. Mission to the European Union and all U.S. embassies in Europe are committed to supporting U.S. companies to start exporting or grow their exports to the European Union. In this section, you’ll find a quick description of the European Union as an export market and adequate information and resources for getting started.
The Economic Section at the U.S. Mission to the EU
The Economic Section is responsible for day-to-day coordination with EU institutions on economic affairs. It also includes frequent contact with the nearly 400 U.S. companies and trade associations represented in Brussels. And, most important, it requires working closely with U.S. Embassies in the 27 EU countries. The Section is likewise in regular contact with virtually every U.S. government agency, from the Consumer Product Safety Commission to the Federal Reserve. The Economic Section is composed of representatives from the:
- State Department
- Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
- Department of the Treasury
- Food and Drug Administration
- The Economic Section works closely with teams from U.S. Commercial Service (Department of Commerce) and the Foreign Agricultural Service (Department of Agriculture) to ensure a coordinated approach to the European Union and support to U.S. business and other stakeholders.
Helping your Business in the European Union
There are more than 500 million consumers in the European Union's 27 Member States.
The U.S. Commercial Service at the United States Mission to the European Union is uniquely positioned to support your company's efforts to meet this market's challenges and seize its opportunities.
Every year, the U.S. Commercial Service helps thousands of companies export goods and services worth billions of dollars. Let us help you find the best opportunities for your business in the European Union.
Proven Trade Expertise
Our global network of trade professionals is located throughout the United States and in U.S. Embassies and Consulates in nearly 80 countries, including the European Union. Whether you’re looking to make your first export sale or expand your business in the European Union, we offer the trade counseling, market intelligence, business matchmaking, and commercial diplomacy you need to connect with lucrative business opportunities. In addition, we will help you to develop trade finance and insurance strategies that align with your particular business objectives and help you complete your export transaction.
As European Union Member States harmonize their regulations and increase their economic integration, a direct connection to the U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Mission to the European Union can be the key to success in the European marketplace.
Let us help you
- Access Key Sectors with the help of our Specialists
- Comply with EU Standards and CE Marking
- Defend your Commercial Interests through Trade Agreements Compliance
- Participate in EU Grants, Tenders, & Financing
Get started
- Visit the export.gov page on the European Union to get an overview of economic conditions and opportunities.
- Access the Country Commercial Guide for U.S. Companies (CCG) providing an overview on how to do business in the European union.
- Access the U.S. Commercial Service Market Research Library containing more than 100,000 industry and country-specific market reports, authored by our specialists working in overseas posts.
- Contact in-country business support organizations such as the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union, the European Council of American Chambers of Commerce (AmChams in Europe) or the European-American Business Council.
- Starting a business can be a challenge, but there is help for you in your area. Contact your local Small Business Development Center (SBDCs). SBDCs are partnerships primarily between the government and colleges/universities administered by the Small Business Administration and aims at giving educational services for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Traveling and working in the European Union
In this section you will find information on business visas, travel advisories, and anti-corruption tools.
Visas
For complete and updated information about visas to the European Union check the Schengen Fact Sheet on travel.state.gov which provides visas information regarding the European Union.
You can also contact and register with the local U.S. Embassy to the EU Member State: See list of the EU Member States | See list of U.S. Embassies and Consulates.
Travel Advisories
Make sure to check the current State Department travel advisory before you plan your travel.
FCPA
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is an important anti-corruption tool designed to discourage corrupt business practices in favor of free and fair markets. The FCPA prohibits promising, offering, giving or authorizing giving anything of value to a foreign government official where the purpose is to obtain or retain business. These prohibitions apply to U.S. persons, both individuals and companies, and companies that are listed on U.S. exchanges. For more information, visit the Department of Justice's website.
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