The energy transition, including widescale decarbonisation of industry and transportation, necessitates a massive reconfiguration of global industry as new supply chains expand to meet the demand for clean energy technologies and fuels.

China’s role in this transformation cannot be understated. The country is the dominant player in raw materials production and processing, and in 37 out of 44 technologies critical to Europe’s modern economy, energy transition and security. This dominance is driven by a centralised industrial policy, vertically integrated state-owned enterprises, low cost of capital, and fairly consistent undermining of globally accepted and competitive trade practices.

The US’ move to prop up its own industry and catch up on China’s manufacturing might, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act and Chips Act, and recent tariff hikes marks a shift into a period of heightened intervention in markets.

Although Europe is on the backfoot vis-à-vis competitors as well as allies, comparative advantage is not static and can be changed over the course of time. Over the last five years the EU has developed multiple layers of strategies, tools and mechanisms to improve our competitiveness, sovereignty and security as we proceed with the transition.

This panel will focus on what the next steps should be and how European institutions, Member States and industry can work together and use a combination of industrial, energy and trade policy to support the competitiveness of our strategic value chains, counter anti-competitive behaviour, and accelerate the development of secure allied supply chains.

Russia’s war on Ukraine and hybrid warfare on EU territory, characterized by covert sabotage and cyber attacks poses a significant challenge to European security and stability. The Nord Stream and Baltic Interconnector explosions, shelling of Ukrainian energy infrastructure, and recent incidents such as arson at military bases, sabotage of critical infrastructure, and cyber attacks on Germany’s wind farms in 2022, underscore the pressing need for a coordinated response to secure our energy infrastructure.

Securing existing infrastructure and additional power offshore – where public support remains high – is a key priority in securing a resilient energy system and electrification. Offshore renewable capacity must increase up to 317 GW by 2050 for the EU to meet its targets, necessitating also considerable grid expansion across the continent. Wind power in the Baltic alone is due to increase from 3.1GW today to 19.7GW by 2030.

Integrating efforts across public and private sectors to counter multifaceted attacks, bolster security by design, and deter further aggression is crucial for maintaining stability and protecting vital infrastructure in the region.
This panel brings together EU policymakers, NATO, and industry to discuss coordinated responses to these multifaceted threats. The panel aims to:

• Delve into lessons learned from recent attacks and coordination efforts, such as those in the North Sea and in Ukraine.

• Explore how collaborative efforts can build resilience and deter further attacks on European infrastructure.

• Highlight regulatory and non-regulatory gaps and potential solutions on the pathway to energy infrastructure security.