• The Minister of Industry acknowledges that there is a lot of work ahead and urges the industry and other social actors to be “demanding so as not to lose this great opportunity.”

  • For Foro Industria y Energía, it is essential to break away from the idea of ministerial silos in order to have a cross-sectoral vision of the industry.

  • The ultimate goal is for the Industry Law to become more than just a regulatory framework—it should serve as a catalyst for the real transformation of the industry.

The New Industry Law: The Seed of Sustainable Reindustrialization

Since its founding four years ago, Foro Industria y Energía (FIE) has emphasized the need to involve all stakeholders in the industrial energy transition process. This means maintaining a dialogue that includes SMEs, industries from all productive sectors, energy producers, equipment and energy infrastructure manufacturers, financial entities, and all professionals who are part of the value chain.

In this context, while we celebrate the spirit of dialogue and consensus that was present during the National Industry Congress—particularly in the panel dedicated to the new Draft Industry Law and Strategic Autonomy—we must not forget that this is only the first step in a long journey. For years, we have insisted on the need for a comprehensive vision that integrates industry and energy. While this law seems to recognize that need, we must see how it translates into concrete and effective measures.

A Law that Highlights the Critical Role of Energy in Industry

The paradigm shift is clear: the new Industry Law marks a before and after compared to its 1992 predecessor. As Pablo Garde, Undersecretary of Industry and Tourism, pointed out, the law focuses on new concepts such as decarbonization, digitalization, and “the energy sector, recognizing that it is a critical and key area for the industry.” This acknowledgment materializes in concrete measures, as emphasized by Teresa Rasero, Chair of the CEOE’s Industry and Ecological Transition Commission, who highlighted “how the law supports electro-intensive industries, which act as a driving force for the rest of the sector.”

One of the most innovative aspects of the law is its focus on sustainability and strategic autonomy. Jordi Hereu, Minister of Industry and Tourism, stressed that “reindustrialization is a necessity for Europe and a great opportunity for Spain.” He also emphasized the concept of “industrial pride,” an idea that links economic competitiveness with the social value of a strong and sustainable industry.

Industrial Policy Must Move Beyond Ministerial Silos

A fundamental step forward in this new law is the creation of the National Industrial Policy Council, which will involve other ministries. As Jordi García Brustenga, Director General of Industrial Strategy and SMEs at the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, explained, “Industry is highly cross-sectoral. We are impacted by other ministries, and we, in turn, impact them. This law seeks an integrated vision.”

This perspective fully aligns with what we at the FIE have been advocating since our inception: the need to reconcile industrial policy with energy policy under a unified and coherent vision.

A Law for Everyone, Built with Everyone

It is particularly valuable that the National Industry Congress gave a voice not only to institutional actors but also to social stakeholders. The inclusive nature of the draft law was a key theme in the debate. Teresa Rasero Guerrero, Chair of the CEOE’s Industry and Ecological Transition Commission, emphasized that “we must continue the dialogue between the administration and all social stakeholders.” This initial consensus is crucial to ensuring the law’s long-term stability.

This inclusive vision is reflected in concrete actions: the CEOE has already taken the first step by calling for a State Pact for Industry and advocating for a central role in reindustrialization discussions. As Teresa Rasero pointed out, “We are talking about economic development, social development, and the social cohesion of the entire country.” This pact is essential to ensuring the law’s stability over time and should enable social actors to diagnose issues and propose proactive solutions.

From UGT FICA, its Secretary of Industrial Policy, Juan Antonio Vázquez, highlighted the progress achieved through dialogue and consensus: “The document has evolved significantly thanks to debate, dialogue, consensus, and the participation of all actors in the industrial ecosystem.” He also called on society to be demanding when it comes to industrial policy, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.

The Minister himself reinforced this inclusive vision by stating, “We all matter—no one is left out,” even making a nod to political co-responsibility by addressing the Minister of Industry of the Andalusian Regional Government, Jorge Paradela, and remarking, “You and I are from different political parties, but this is a shared goal.”

Towards a Real Transformation of Industry: “Se’ns gira feina” (For All of Us)

As the President of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Salvador Illa, reminded us, “Nothing can be achieved without collaboration. In fact, great successes come from collaboration.” At the FIE, we commit to continuing to be a demanding voice that ensures a fair and effective energy transition—one that integrates the needs of all actors within the industrial value chain.

The new Industry Law represents, in García Brustenga’s words, “a signal, both internally and externally,” that “establishes a European model for doing things.” A model that we at the FIE will continue to help shape.

While we celebrate this spirit of dialogue and consensus, we also take the Minister’s words very seriously when he said, “And I ask you to challenge us, to demand from us, so that we do not lose this great opportunity.” We accept this challenge as a responsibility: we will ensure that this law is not just a regulatory framework but a true catalyst for the real transformation of industry.

The path to an effective law requires concrete measures, political commitment, and the active participation of all stakeholders. The challenge is great, but so is the opportunity. At the FIE, we will continue working to turn this shared vision into a stronger, more sustainable, and fairer industry for all.