Iberdrola’s Executive Chairman, Ignacio Galán, participated in the plenary meeting of the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) held in Gothenburg, Sweden, a session that also featured contributions from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
At the meeting, Ignacio Galán emphasised that electrification is not only essential for achieving climate objectives but is also a major catalyst for industrial development and long-term competitiveness. He noted that Europe’s ability to build a more resilient and efficient energy system depends heavily on accelerating the deployment of clean energy and reinforcing the infrastructure that supports it. According to him, the modernisation and expansion of electricity grids, cross-border interconnections, and energy transport capacity will be central to supporting both economic growth and Europe’s strategic autonomy.
Galán also acknowledged recent progress in European Union energy policy, particularly measures aimed at accelerating the energy transition. However, he stressed that further action is still required to maintain momentum. He called for stronger and more coordinated investments in grid infrastructure and urged policymakers to simplify administrative procedures that currently slow down the rollout of renewable energy and electrification projects.
Stability and predictability in regulation, he noted, remain fundamental to attracting large-scale investment from industry.The plenary discussions focused broadly on how the current global energy environment is shaping Europe’s competitiveness and industrial strategy. Participants examined the pressures facing European industry, the evolution of the EU’s competitiveness agenda, and the structural changes required to maintain leadership in a fast-shifting global landscape.
Another key theme was the role of artificial intelligence in accelerating industrial transformation, improving productivity, and enabling more efficient energy systems.This meeting followed a preparatory session that Iberdrola hosted just a month earlier at its headquarters in Bilbao. During that gathering, senior executives and advisers worked on shaping the agenda for the Sweden plenary, reflecting the company’s active role in contributing to Europe’s long-term industrial and energy strategy.T
he European Round Table for Industry, founded in 1983 and headquartered in Brussels, is a leading business forum bringing together around 60 chairmen and chief executive officers from major European companies committed to sustainable, competitive and globally influential industrial growth.
Collectively, these companies generate around €3 trillion in annual revenue, employ over 6 million people worldwide and invest roughly €120 billion each year in research, development and innovation. Through its collaborative efforts, the ERT helps shape policy discussions aimed at strengthening Europe’s economic prospects while advancing sustainability and technological leadership.
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