Through high-level conversations and focused panel discussions, the conference will examine how Europe can reduce strategic dependencies, unlock investment and innovation, and create the conditions for its industries to compete globally. Taking place at a pivotal moment in the EU policy calendar, the event will provide a platform for business and political leaders to exchange perspectives and help build a positive vision for Europe’s industrial and energy future.
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European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, European Commission
Dan Jørgensen is European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, where he leads the EU’s work on energy policy, including energy security, clean energy, affordability, infrastructure and the Energy Union. He previously served as Denmark’s Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy and as Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities. He was also a Member of the Danish Parliament from 2015 to 2024 and served as a Member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2013.

Secretary of State, Poland
Krzysztof Bolesta is Secretary of State at Poland’s Ministry of Climate and Environment, where he works on energy and climate policy. He previously worked at the European Commission, including on energy and research and development, and served as a member of the political cabinets of two Polish Ministers of the Environment. He was also Research Director at the Policy Insight think tank and co-founded the Foundation for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles, where he served as Vice-President.

Executive Director, Strategic Perspectives
Linda Kalcher is the founder and Executive Director of Strategic Perspectives. Previously, she served as Director for EU Institutions, Green Deal Diplomacy and Special Advisor to CEO Laurence Tubiana at the European Climate Foundation. In 2021, she also served as Senior Advisor to the Climate Action Team in UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ Executive Office. Before that, she was a political advisor in the European Parliament.
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Director, Strategic Perspectives
Neil Makaroff is the co-founder and Director of Strategic Perspectives. Previously, he led Réseau Action Climat France’s work on European climate and energy policy for more than five years, coordinating civil society campaigns and building support for ambitious and socially just climate reforms. He has extensive experience engaging with EU decision-makers, including during the French EU Council Presidency and the development of the Fit for 55 package. Neil also contributes to the Jean Jaurès Foundation’s work on Europe’s green transition.

Chair of the Stiftung KlimaWirtschaft
Sabine Nallinger is Chair of Stiftung KlimaWirtschaft, where she works on advancing climate action and sustainable economic transformation. She has broad experience working on forward-looking and practical projects in sustainable regional, urban and transport planning, including with the City of Munich and environmental organisations. From 2008 to 2020, she served on the Munich City Council, focusing on energy, urban development and transport policy. She also serves on several advisory and supervisory bodies, including the advisory board of the Institute for Climate Protection, Energy and Mobility.

Vice President, Group Public Affairs, Heidelberg Materials
Winston Beck is Vice President, Group Public Affairs at Heidelberg Materials, where he leads the company’s political strategy and engagement, including its relationships with industry associations and international organisations. His work focuses on supporting Heidelberg Materials’ sustainability and transformation agenda and improving access to public funding. Before joining Heidelberg Materials, he was a partner at an international public relations firm and held various roles in the heavy transport and energy sectors.

Executive Vice President, ORANO Battery Program
Philippe Hatron is Executive Vice President of Orano’s Battery Program, where he leads the Group’s diversification into the European battery industry, including the development of battery materials and recycling activities in Dunkirk, France. He has experience in the nuclear industry, having held senior positions across finance, commercial activities and international operations in the United States, China and across Europe.

Director of Sustainability, Technology and Outlooks, International Energy Agency
Laura Cozzi is Director of Sustainability, Technology and Outlooks at the International Energy Agency, where she leads and coordinates the IEA’s work on energy sustainability, including energy technology policy and climate change. She is also the Agency’s Chief Energy Modeller and co-leads the World Energy Outlook, the IEA’s flagship publication series. Ms Cozzi joined the IEA in 1999 and has since led and contributed to numerous editions of the Outlook and special reports.

Vice President, VELUX, Chair of CLG Europe
Fleming Voetmann is Vice President at VELUX, where he leads the company’s advocacy strategy and engagement with policymakers and other external stakeholders. With more than 25 years of experience in sustainability, public affairs and corporate communications, he has previously held senior roles at FLSmidth, the International Copper Association, Danfoss and Novozymes, with a particular focus on sustainable transformation and energy.

Director of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership Europe and the Corporate Leaders Group Europe
Ursula Woodburn is Director of CISL’s Europe office and the Corporate Leaders Group Europe, where she leads work to drive corporate support for a climate-neutral, nature-positive and sustainable European economy. She also leads CISL’s engagement with the We Mean Business Coalition on EU policy and works with the Green Growth Partnership. Previously, she led the sustainability practice at Weber Shandwick Brussels and worked in the European Parliament and for an environmental NGO. She has extensive experience in Brussels public affairs and strategic communications, with a focus on energy, climate and transport.

Chief Executive Officer, BNP Paribas Germany
Lutz Diederichs is CEO of BNP Paribas Germany, where he oversees the bank’s business in the German market. A graduate economist with more than 30 years of experience in banking, he previously served on the Management Board of HypoVereinsbank, where he was responsible for corporate banking and corporate and investment banking.

Executive Vice President & Head of Group Communications, Vice Chair CLG Europe, SSAB
Helena Norrman is Executive Vice President & Head of Group Communications at SSAB, where she leads communications and marketing, with a focus on strategic communication, public affairs and stakeholder engagement. She previously held senior leadership positions at Ericsson and worked as a communications advisor at Kekst CNC, bringing extensive experience in corporate communications, investor relations and sustainability, including SSAB’s transformation towards fossil-free steelmaking.

Director-General of Directorate-General for Climate Action, European Commission
Kurt Vandenberghe is Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA), where he leads the EU’s work on climate policy and international climate action. He previously served as European Green Deal Advisor in the Cabinet of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and held senior positions in the Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, including Director for Policy & Programming and Director for Climate Action and Resource Efficiency.

Head of Responsible Investment, Nordea Asset Management
Eric Christian Pedersen is Head of Responsible Investments at Nordea Asset Management, where he oversees the firm’s responsible investment activities and engagement with portfolio companies. He is particularly involved in climate transition, sustainable finance and investor engagement, including initiatives focused on decarbonisation, climate-related disclosures and methane emissions.
The agenda may be subject to minor changes.

Executive Director, Strategic Perspectives
Keynote Speech - resetting the EU’s economic model
Director, Strategic Perspectives
Keynote Speech - the next steps of the EU’s energy security
European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, European Commission
This panel focuses on challenges for industry (competition with China, high energy prices) and what solutions can be found to boost manufacturing leadership through policies, i.e. Made in Europe and lead markets in the Industrial Accelerator Act. Ms Sabine Nallinger, Chair of the Stiftung KlimaWirtschaft, will open the panel with a keynote speech.
Vice President, Group Public Affairs, Heidelberg Materials
Executive Vice President, ORANO Battery Program
Moderator
This panel highlights why electrification is Europe's strongest response to geopolitical risk and energy insecurity, and how it links to the post-2030 energy framework.
Director of Sustainability, Technology and Outlooks, International Energy Agency
Vice President, VELUX, Chair of CLG Europe
Moderator
Keynote Speech
Secretary of State, Poland
This panel will discuss how to mobilise capital for electrification, industrial growth and innovation, as well as the links to the Emission Trading System in supporting investment. Ms Ursula Woodburn, Director of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership Europe and the Corporate Leaders Group Europe, will give a keynote speech to open the panel.
Chief Executive Officer, BNP Paribas Germany
Executive Vice President & Head of Group Communications, Vice Chair CLG Europe, SSAB
Director-General of Directorate-General for Climate Action, European Commission
Head of Responsible Investment, Nordea Asset Management
Moderator
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