Despite growing geopolitical uncertainty, one message stood out clearly: the transatlantic relationship remains a cornerstone of global innovation and economic resilience. With a combined value of nearly $10 trillion, supporting 16 million jobs and generating over $2.3 trillion in annual trade, the transatlantic economy is not just large, it is deeply interconnected. Increasingly, it is not about products being “Made in Europe” or “Made in the USA,” but rather “Made with Europe”, co-created through tightly integrated investment and production networks.
For Slovakia, this matters profoundly. U.S. companies already support more than 35,000 jobs here, particularly in sectors that are critical for the digital transformation, such as advanced manufacturing, electronics, and high-value services. These are precisely the areas that will define competitiveness in the coming decade.
At the same time, the discussions highlighted a crucial point: innovation today depends on access to energy, data, talent, and to open markets. Europe continues to rely on the United States for key inputs such as advanced software, strategic raw materials, and technologies that underpin digital infrastructure. In return, European companies are deeply embedded in the U.S. economy, creating value through investment, research, and industrial cooperation.
However, this ecosystem cannot be taken for granted. If we want innovation to thrive, we must actively remove barriers that slow it down. Predictability, regulatory simplification, and a stable business environment are not abstract policy goals, they are the foundation upon which companies make long-term investment decisions. In a world where digital transformation is accelerating, delays and fragmentation come at a real cost.
From our perspective, these conversations reaffirm AmCham’s core mission: to strengthen the business environment and enhance Slovakia’s competitiveness. Our ability to attract investment, develop digital capabilities, and retain talent will depend on how effectively we position ourselves within this broader transatlantic framework.
Innovation in the digital age is not just about adopting new technologies; amid today’s geopolitical realities, energy self sufficiency is becoming even more critical. That is why we focus on building partnerships that help these technologies scale and deliver value. Yet producing enough energy and bringing it to market is only part of the equation; we must also reinvest the resulting resources back into Slovakia, into modern technologies, innovation, and human capital. So that progress translates into long term growth and competitiveness, strengthening our ability to innovate together for a stronger, future ready Slovakia.
Andrea Brezanová, Senior Policy Manager, AmCham Slovakia
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