AmChams in Europe: Solidarity, coordination and action
By AmChamPublished On 09/04/2020
The world is facing an extraordinary challenge from the outbreak of COVID-19. The pandemic poses a severe threat to the health and wellbeing of citizens and the global economy with harmful consequences for all parts of society. AmChams in Europe, the umbrella organization for 45 AmChams from 43 countries across Europe and Eurasia, fully support governments’ efforts to tackle the pandemic and mitigate its effects. The mobilization of resources has been unprecedented, and we need continued leadership to address the impact of the crisis on society.
AmCham EU calls on governments to focus on:
Solidarity – We are all in this together. Increased sharing of resources and information among our countries and globally is critical to address the pandemic successfully.
Coordination – Governments need to enhance coordination across borders and within alliances to ensure a consistent and harmonized approach to the crisis but also to start setting the foundations of the economic recovery. Cooperation at the regional and global levels is vital as governments put together initiatives to protect our economies, and ultimately the livelihood of citizens.
Action – We need bold action to ensure access to critical goods and services we all depend on. In particular, the movement of goods across borders must be unimpeded. Much-needed goods rely on integrated supply-chains for production before they can be delivered to individuals and businesses.
American companies have taken immediate action to not only protect their employees, support communities in Europe, and around the world, but also to develop innovative solutions to address the global emergency. At the same time, AmCham EU member companies are striving to preserve business continuity in a safe and responsible manner.
Healthcare companies are using their expertise to develop COVID-19 vaccine candidates as well as medicines that can be used in prevention and management of serious consequences related to COVID-19. Many of them have also significantly increased their production of medicines, medical devices and personal protective equipment.
Additional resources for supporting health workers in the front lines are also contributed by companies that have not traditionally been active in the healthcare sector. Many have found creative ways of contributing their skills and infrastructures, by re-purposing their facilities and technologies. For example, companies with 3D printing technologies have begun to produce face shields; producers of spirits, perfumes and cosmetics are contributing to the production of hand sanitiser; transport companies are utilising their aircraft and vehicle fleets to transport equipment to areas in need.
