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AeA delegation of eight member companies
visits Brussels, for meetings with top EU officials
AeA Delegation to Brussels Engages EU Officials on Cascade of Environmental Regulations
From November 9-11, 2004, AeA Director for International Trade Policy, Becky Linder, led a delegation of U.S. Member Company representatives to Brussels, Belgium to discuss the continuous onslaught of European environmental regulations targeting the high-tech sector with European officials, Brussels-based Member Company representatives, and other key stakeholders. Through AeA Europe’s expansive network of contacts the delegation participated in numerous interesting and educational forums that provided an opportunity to ask company- specific questions and get immediate answers, learn about the proliferation of environmental regulations, and build their network of contacts in Europe.
The delegation received a crash course in European government structure, operations, and stakeholders from some key decision makers in the European Commission and the Parliament. Discussions covered specific questions on the Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) and Restrictions on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directives. The group also learned first hand about how the upcoming Energy Using Products (EuP) Directive and the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) Directive will impact the high-tech sector.
The three day program also generated new opportunities for AeA Europe to enhance its leadership role in Brussels. James Lovegrove, Managing Director of AeA Europe, was asked to submit suggested amendments to Parliament’s staff for the REACH addressing industry concerns and to provide input on legislative language for the EuP Directive draft text. In addition, he was asked by the U.S. Mission to the EU to provide comments on furthering the Transatlantic Economic Relationship for posting on the Mission’s website.
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