EACC & Member News

On January 29, 2026, EACC Florida held its first Board meeting of the year, followed by a reception for Members and invited guests at Pernod Ricard’s offices in Miami’s Blue Lagoon Business District. Guests had the opportunity to discover (or rediscover) Pernod Ricard’s Miami headquarters, learn more about the company, and meet with EACC Florida’s leadership and Board members. The reception featured a selection of rosé, champagne, and non-alcoholic tequila—recent additions to Pernod Ricard’s Collection. EACC Florida is pleased to welcome Fabrice Marmousez as a new member of its Board of Directors. Fabrice is France Country Practice National Tax Leader at RSM US. RSM joined EACC Florida in 2020 and recently upgraded to Platinum membership. The firm is actively involved across several EACC chapters and contributes as a thought leader to numerous EACC programs and initiatives. We are delighted to further strengthen this engagement through Fabrice’s appointment to the Board. EACC Florida also extends its sincere thanks to the leadership team at Pernod Ricard in Miami for their warm and convivial hospitality.

Financing for energy security rose to a record in 2025, with €11.6 billion invested in European grids, and mobilising around The post EIB | Powering Europe: EIB Group Invests a Record €100 Billion to Support Shared Prosperity, Security and European Values first appeared on European American Chamber of Commerce New York [EACCNY] | Your Partner for Transatlantic Business Resources.

Today, the 27 EU member states formally adopted the regulation on phasing out Russian imports of both pipeline gas and The post European Council | Russian Gas Imports: Council Gives Final Greenlight to a Stepwise Ban first appeared on European American Chamber of Commerce New York [EACCNY] | Your Partner for Transatlantic Business Resources.

Today, the European Commission has started two sets of specification proceedings to assist Google in complying with its obligations under The post European Commission | Commission Opens Proceedings to Assist Google in Complying With Interoperability and Online Search Data Sharing Obligations Under the Digital Markets Act first appeared on European American Chamber of Commerce New York [EACCNY] | Your Partner for Transatlantic Business Resources.

The EU and India concluded negotiations today for a historic, ambitious and commercially significant free trade agreement (FTA), the largest The post European Commission | EU and India Conclude Landmark Free Trade Agreement first appeared on European American Chamber of Commerce New York [EACCNY] | Your Partner for Transatlantic Business Resources.

Oral Conclusions by President António Costa following the Informal meeting of the members of the European Council, 22 January 2026 The post European Council | Oral Conclusions Drawn by President António Costa Following the Informal Meeting of the Members of the European Council of 22 January 2026 first appeared on European American Chamber of Commerce New York [EACCNY] | Your Partner for Transatlantic Business Resources.

22 January 2026 Geoeconomic fragmentation and geopolitical risk have become key sources of macro-financial uncertainty, which can affect financial stability The post ECB | ECB and ESRB Issue Joint Report Analysing Financial Stability Risks From Geoeconomic Fragmentation first appeared on European American Chamber of Commerce New York [EACCNY] | Your Partner for Transatlantic Business Resources.

The European Commission proposed the Digital Networks Act (DNA) to modernise, simplify and harmonise EU rules on connectivity networks. The The post European Commission | EU Supports Digital Connectivity with Simpler and Harmonised Rules in Digital Networks Act first appeared on European American Chamber of Commerce New York [EACCNY] | Your Partner for Transatlantic Business Resources.

Blog Post by  Tobias Adrian and Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas Global Economy Shakes Off Tariff Shock Amid Tech-Driven Boomrisks are rising, including from The post IMF | Global Economy Shakes Off Tariff Shock Amid Tech-Driven Boom first appeared on European American Chamber of Commerce New York [EACCNY] | Your Partner for Transatlantic Business Resources.

Special Address by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting The post European Commission | Special Address by President von der Leyen at the World Economic Forum first appeared on European American Chamber of Commerce New York [EACCNY] | Your Partner for Transatlantic Business Resources.

We are delighted to announce that Corporate Member RSM US has upgraded its membership to Platinum for 2026. In addition to being an active Member of the EACC Florida, RSM US is also involved in our Task Force Transportation, Logistics & Customs. We look forward to a deeper engagement and partnership with the company’s executives, experts and local leadership. In their own words: RSM’s purpose is to deliver the power of being understood to our clients, colleagues and communities through world-class audit, tax and consulting services focused on middle market businesses. The clients we serve are the engine of global commerce and economic growth, and we are focused on developing leading professionals and services to meet their evolving needs in today’s ever-changing business environment. RSM US LLP is the U.S. member of RSM International, a global network of independent audit, tax and consulting firms with more than 64,000 people over 120 countries. For more information visit website

In 2025, the European Union Intellectual Property Office received 327 735 new applications for EU trade marks and EU designs. The post EUIPO | The European Union Intellectual Property Office Records the Highest Number of Applications in its History first appeared on European American Chamber of Commerce New York [EACCNY] | Your Partner for Transatlantic Business Resources.

The Council of the European Union adopted two decisions authorising the signature of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA) and of the Interim Trade Agreement (iTA) between the EU and Mercosur. Together, these agreements mark an important milestone in the EU’s long-standing relationship with Mercosur partners – Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Once in force, they will establish a framework for political dialogue, cooperation and trade relations within a modernised and comprehensive partnership. The agreements will require the consent of the European Parliament before they can be formally concluded by the Council as well as ratification by all EU member states to enter into force. Read more.

EACC Florida is delighted to welcome BERIAS as a new Corporate Member ! In their own words: BERIAS is a consulting firm specializing in project management, process optimization, and smart automation for small and medium-sized businesses. With operations in Munich (BERIAS GmbH) and Miami (BERIAS LLC), the firm supports companies operating between Europe and the United States. BERIAS designs and manages projects end to end, streamlines workflows, and coordinates international implementation teams to deliver transparency, speed, and reliable execution. Its expertise spans process optimization, Robotic Process Automation, order-to-cash and procure-to-pay processes, and practical digital transformation. Combining German engineering discipline with international delivery capabilities, BERIAS also offers Adaptive Micro Consulting—a fast, modular consulting format providing focused expert input and actionable recommendations for time-critical challenges. Recognized as Best Business Consulting Firm in Munich 2025, BERIAS acts as a trusted transatlantic partner for SMEs and growth-oriented organizations seeking implementation-focused support. Info: https://berias.com/

On Thursday, December 18, 2025, President Trump announced the suspension of the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program) (aka Green Card Lottery Program). The DV Program was designed to award approximately 50,000 visas annually and to boost arrivals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. On Friday, December 19, 2025, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a Policy Memorandum entitled: Hold and Review of Pending USCIS Adjustment of Status Applications Filed by Aliens Under the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. This memorandum went into effect immediately. Read more.

Government websites have been hacked, online exploitation of children has infiltrated schools and the increasing use of crypto currencies to fund criminal activities are but a few examples of cyber-criminal activity impacting the Caribbean region. The CARICOM Cybercrime and Cybersecurity Action Plan (CCSCAP) 2025 is the shield to protect the Caribbean cyberspace. Read more.

A joint statement published following the EU-Chile Joint Council and EU-Chile Trade Council on 27 November 2025.Read more.

At the CELAC-EU Summit in Santa Marta, Colombia, the European Union and 33 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) renewed their commitment to defending a peaceful global order, rooted in democracy, social justice, respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The leaders pledged to strengthen international cooperation and protect the UN-led global order from mounting pressure. Discussions centred on practical cooperation to strengthen democracy and multilateralism, drive the green, digital, and social transitions, expand trade opportunities and step up joint action on security. Read more.

On 10 November 2025, the European Union and Ecuador launched negotiations for a Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement (SIFA). The SIFA aims to promote sustainable development in Ecuador by making it easier for EU companies to invest and expand their operations in the country, in sectors such as renewable energy, digitalisation, agriculture, transport and logistics. Read more.

Andrea Bruno, whose story spans continents, cultures, and communities, is 22-years-old. Born in Caracas, Venezuela to an Italian father from Sicily and a Portuguese mother from Madeira, Andrea holds both Venezuelan and Italian citizenship and is fluent in English and Spanish. She is also a sister to two younger siblings, now 16 and 10. In 2016, at age 12, Andrea moved with her family to Florida through an investment visa, later transitioning into Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Her international outlook deepened during a 2018 family road trip through Europe, visiting Italy and Portugal — though Sicily and Madeira remain on her future travel list. Her favorite comfort foods, fittingly, are Italian lasagna and Portuguese pastéis de nata. Alongside her academic journey, Andrea built a strong leadership track record and serves as Regional Program Manager at Latinos in Action and Regional Director with the Junior Chamber of Commerce – Florida, a Member of EACC Florida. In November 2025, TPS for Venezuelans was revoked, requiring Andrea to leave the United States. She relocated to Madrid, Spain, where she now lives with her Italian grandmother and is pursuing legal residency. She will begin working toward an Ed.D. in Leadership online while continuing to contribute professionally as an Independent Contractor for a U.S.-based nonprofit organization. With the support of her current employer, she has also initiated the process for a Certificate of Labor, with the goal of returning to the United States with a Green Card. With roots in Europe, Latin America and Florida, Andrea represents the resilience, adaptability, and global perspective that define the next generation of young voices from the future. Her journey is still unfolding — and her voice is one to watch. “Resilience shaped my story; ambition keeps me writing it.” — Andrea Bruno

EACC Florida is delighted to welcome Seacoast National Bank s a new Corporate Member! Founded in 1926, Seacoast National Bank is one of Florida’s most well-capitalized financial institutions, with over $15B in assets, $12B in deposits, and more than 75 branches statewide. Headquartered in Stuart and publicly traded on NASDAQ, Seacoast offers full-service commercial and consumer banking, wealth management, and mortgage solutions—supported by strong digital platforms and nearly a century of expertise. Their Global Banking Division works closely with internationally focused clients, helping individuals open U.S. accounts, supporting companies establishing U.S. operations, and facilitating residential mortgages—all with responsive, personalized service. Seacoast National Bank – Your Florida banking partner for global success. Learn more: SeacoastBank.com

Members and friends braved Miami’s legendary evening traffic to join EACC Florida and Cozen O’Connor on Thursday, November 20, for our Beaujolais Nouveau Day Business Mixer. The event took place in the elegant lobby of the Southeast Financial Center, graciously hosted by President’s Circle Member Cozen O’Connor. Guests enjoyed lively conversation and delicious bites while being among the first to taste the Beaujolais Nouveau 2025. Following brief remarks by EACC Florida Executive Director Christina Sleszynska and EACC Florida Vice-President Scott Bettridge, our host for the evening, Sarah McCartan of Wine by Sarah, captivated attendees with a fascinating overview of the history of Beaujolais Nouveau, its cultural and culinary significance in France and across Europe, and how it has grown into a celebrated tradition in the United States—businesswise and beyond. She also guided guests through tasting notes of this year’s vintage. One particularly striking insight: only a few weeks – typically 6 to 8 – separate the grape harvest and the wine’s release each year on the third Thursday of November. Attendees widely agreed that the 2025 vintage surpasses last year’s and promises to pair beautifully with your Thanksgiving turkey. And with that—let the holiday season begin!

In short: busy, dynamic, exceptionally well organized, and buzzing with energy. This year’s edition of transport logistic, air cargo & project cargo Americas—organized by Messe München at the Miami Beach Convention Center—brought together a remarkable concentration of supply chain, logistics, and international trade professionals. One fun behind-the-scenes detail: Trade Show Director Robert Schoenberger from Messe München often paused to listen to the crowd, saying he could judge attendance and engagement by the volume of conversation alone—and by that measure, the show was a clear success. EACC Florida at the Trade Show EACC Florida was delighted to be a part of the event, organized by Messe München—an EACC Florida Member—from November 11–13, 2025. EACC Florida participated with a booth and two seminars as part of the trade show’s official program. We were also honored to be represented at the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, where EACC Florida President Alan Sutin (Greenberg Traurig) and Executive Director Christina Sleszynska joined Messe München leadership and distinguished guests to formally open the trade show. **Day 1 Seminar: Transatlantic Trade in Turbulent Times – Navigating Tariffs, Policy Shifts & Supply Chain Realities Moderated by Jodi Ader, Senior Manager, Trade & Tariff Advisory Services at RSM US, the panel featured: Emmanuel Desbats, Vice-President Global Accounts – Clasquin Micah Myers, Member – Cozen O’Connor Antonio Teixeira, CEO – PicAdvanced The conversation explored today’s rapidly shifting transatlantic landscape, from tariffs and compliance to supply chain resiliency and policy impacts. **Day 2 Seminar: FDI Investment into Latin America & the Caribbean – Challenges, Opportunities & Miami as a Beacon for the “other” Transatlantic Relationship. Moderated by Antonio Pena, Co-Chair Latin America Practice and Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig’s Miami office, the discussion featured: Justen Ghwee, Director, International Tax – Kaufman Rossin Javier Yraola, Trade Commissioner of Spain in Miami – ICEX This engaging conversation examined the evolving environment for foreign direct investment across the LAC region and highlighted Miami’s growing role as a strategic gateway. Special Thanks Warm thanks to our leadership and Task Force members for supporting EACC Florida’s presence throughout the show: Alan Sutin – President, EACC Florida, Greenberg Traurig Scott Bettridge – Vice-President, EACC Florida, Cozen O’Connor Emmanuel Desbats – Clasquin John Gargaro – RAF Solutions Their time at the booth helped us welcome visitors, answer questions, and share the mission and activities of the Chamber. Thank You to All Who Visited Us Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all Members, Friends, and attendees who stopped by the EACC Florida booth to connect, say hello, or learn more about our programs. Your engagement is what makes our transatlantic community thrive.

On Monday, November 3rd, EACC Florida—together with the World Trade Center Miami, the Miami-Dade Beacon Council and Greenberg Traurig—was honored to host a private, invitation-only luncheon featuring Guest of Honor H.E. Jovita Neliupšienė, EU Ambassador to the United States. The event brought together a distinguished delegation of Ambassadors and senior diplomats from 14 EU Member States, alongside representatives from key industries, economic development organizations, and several European binational chambers of commerce active in South Florida. EU Member States represented at Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission, or Consul General level included Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and the Slovak Republic—together accounting for more than 46% of the EU’s GDP. This marked the first time that the EU Ambassador and such a large group of senior European diplomats from across the continent visited the Sunshine State. During their South Florida program, the delegation also met with Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, members of Congress and the U.S. Senate, eMerge Americas leadership, participated in a conference at FIU, and attended a reception jointly hosted by the EU Ambassador and Belen Alfaro, Consul General of Spain. Following two days in Miami, the group continued to Tallahassee for a series of high-level meetings. The luncheon program opened with welcoming remarks from Presenting Sponsors and Hosts: Ivan Barrios, President & CEO, World Trade Center Miami Rodrick Miller, President & CEO, Miami-Dade Beacon Council Christina Sleszynska, Executive Director, EACC Florida Alan Sutin, President of EACC Florida and Host at Greenberg Traurig Ambassador Neliupšienė then delivered keynote remarks addressing key priorities and challenges shaping transatlantic business and trade, including: Strategic priorities in trade, technology, and security Supply chain resilience, especially in transport, logistics, energy, and advanced manufacturing EU–US cooperation on climate action, the energy transition, and digital innovation Opportunities to deepen the EU’s engagement with regional economies such as Florida How the EU is working to counter perceptions of being overregulated, slow to innovate, or overly protectionist After lunch, the European Ambassadors participated in a lively and engaging Q&A session moderated by Jaret Davis, Senior Vice President at Greenberg Traurig. Audience questions touched on topics such as hurricane resilience, expanding air connectivity between Europe and Miami, opportunities for deeper collaboration in the maritime and defense-technology sectors, and the growing interest in German-style apprenticeship programs to strengthen Florida’s talent pipeline. Dr. Victor Lozinski, Founder and Chairman of LeverX, also shared personal insights into why relocating his company’s global headquarters from Silicon Valley to Miami has proven to be one of his best strategic decisions. Local attendees spoke passionately about Miami’s diversity, dynamism, and rapidly expanding position as a global business hub and key gateway for trade and investment between Europe, the United States, and Latin America. Their enthusiasm may have surprised some visiting diplomats, but the message was unmistakable: while many cities aspire to be the next “epicenter of the universe,” Miami is steadily building its case to become the epicenter of the United States. In a letter dated November 12, H.E. Jovita Neliupšienė thanks EACC Florida on behalf of the group of Ambassadors that joined her in Miami for the warm welcome and for all we “do to advocate on behalf of companies doing business between Florida and the EU“. The EU Ambassador also writes: “With Miami occupying such a strategic location for business in the Americas, I have no doubt we will have more visits to South Florida in the coming year.” EACC Florida stands ready to welcome them again and European companies are warmly encouraged to visit Miami, experience its momentum firsthand, and explore the many business opportunities the Sunshine State offers as a gateway to the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.   EACC Florida warmly thanks the following organizations for their support: Presenting Sponsors: World Trade Center Miami and Miami Dade Beacon Council Host: Greenberg Traurig Supporting Sponsor: LeverX

Baby boomers are set to give a staggering $124 trillion through 2048 to heirs, according to market researcher Cerulli Advisors in a 2024 report. But are the next generations prepared to accept it or will they become “shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations”? That depends on the work that both givers and receivers do before the handoff, experts say. Without proper communication, guidance and planning, wealth and legacies can be lost to taxes, squandering, conflicts or simply forgotten. A 20-year research project on 3,200 families by wealth consultancy Williams Group shows 70% of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation, and 90% by the third. Read more. Compliments Kaufman Rossin

On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) introducing a weighted H-1B Cap selection process favoring unique beneficiaries. This weighted selection process will replace the current random lottery system. Under the weighted H-1B cap selection process, beneficiaries would be entered into the H-1B selection pool in a weighted manner based on the wage offered by their prospective employer. Read more. Compliments Cozen O’Connor

President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law on July 4, bringing sweeping tax changes for businesses. The legislation builds on key provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), while introducing several new benefits aimed at reducing business tax burdens and encouraging investment, manufacturing, and innovation. As regulatory standards evolve under the OBBBA, companies across the U.S., transatlantic companies, and others operating internationally face new compliance challenges and opportunities. Here, we examine both the law’s domestic and cross-border implications and highlight key considerations for global businesses. Read more. Compliments Mowery & Schoenfeld

Revision of the current legislation has been steered by issues that have arisen in recent years, including concerns with antimicrobial resistance and supply chain security, tested to the extreme during the COVID-19 pandemic, where patient access to medicines was a particular concern. Read more. Compliments Squire Patton Boggs

The EU Data Act (Regulation (EU) 2023/2854) introduces a comprehensive framework to enhance data portability and reduce vendor lock-in across the EU digital economy. One impactful component is the cloud switching regime (Chapter VI), which establishes broad obligations to facilitate switching between “data processing services.” For providers of cloud-based services (such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS)), these rules may present contractual, technical, and commercial challenges. Read more. Compliments Greenberg Traurig