- Industry and Ecological Transition Seem to Be Aligning in a Global and Geopolitical Context That Demands Action to Ensure Industrial Competitiveness
- “We are committed to industry, renewable energies, and competitiveness,” stated Minister Aagesen.
- Since its foundation, the Industry and Energy Forum has advocated for a genuine and ongoing rapprochement between the Ministries of Ecological Transition and Industry. At last, it seems this vision is beginning to take shape.
After four years of “crying in the wilderness,” it seems our voices have finally found an echo. From the outset, the Industry and Energy Forum has stressed the need for greater cooperation between the Ministries of Ecological Transition and Industry. A strong and continuous dialogue between these two entities is not only desirable but indispensable to address the challenges of industrial decarbonization. Last week, we delivered a clear message: the appointment of Sara Aagesen as head of the Ministry of Ecological Transition and the recent legislative framework of the Industry Law could mark the start of this collaboration.
Why Now?
This new alignment is driven by two critical factors, both of which are essential: conviction, or political proactivity, and obligation, which translates to strategic reactivity.
On the side of political proactivity, strengthening ties with the industrial sector was evident in Minister Aagesen’s parliamentary interventions this week. “We are committed to industry, renewable energies, and competitiveness,” she declared while commending the work led by Jordi Hereu’s Ministry. She also emphasized that, for the first time, industrial decarbonization has been established as a guiding principle in strategic planning—an overdue necessity Foro Industria y Energía has long pointed out. Equally noteworthy was her recent visit to Solvay’s factory, a gesture that underscores her commitment to listening to key industrial stakeholders firsthand.
As for strategic reactivity, the European and global context compels immediate action. The Draghi Report and the agenda of the new European Commission, chaired by Ursula von der Leyen, have made it clear that industrial competitiveness is a priority. On the global stage, industrial giants like China and the United States—under the renewed leadership of Donald Trump—are driving Spain to take decisive action to remain competitive. This new geopolitical balance, coupled with mounting pressures to prevent industrial relocation, is urging our leaders to act. Missing this opportunity is simply not an option.
While we do not want to indulge in unwarranted optimism, we do acknowledge that the long-sought dialogue between Industry and Ecological Transition is beginning to materialize. If this collaboration is solidified, it will bring us closer to integrating industry and decarbonization as inseparable pillars of an energy transition that is both sustainable and competitive.
Although the evolution of this partnership remains to be seen, we are optimistic that this rapprochement will not only address external pressures but also solidify into a long-term commitment.
At Foro Industria y Energía, we will remain vigilant, celebrating progress in this direction while striving to ensure that this dialogue transcends short-term challenges and becomes a lasting, structural collaboration.