Stéphane Séjourné: “Energy is the main factor of industrial competitiveness”

• European industrial competitiveness at stake in every kilowatt.

October 3, 2025

Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy of the European Commission, made it clear in his speech at Nueva Economía Fórum that energy holds a central place in industrial competitiveness: “If there were only one factor of competitiveness to choose, I believe it would obviously be energy.” According to Séjourné, reducing energy costs for all sectors must be a priority if we want to strengthen our productive capacity and regain an advantage over global competitors.

This vision is directly connected to the founding mission and raison d’être of Foro Industria y Energía: placing energy at the core of the industrial agenda. This recognition from the highest European institutions takes on special relevance in a context where energy has become the main headache for industry. With gas tariffs rising by 12% in October and grid access capacity limitations stalling projects, Séjourné’s words are not just a diagnosis: they are a cry of urgency. European industrial competitiveness is no longer measured only in innovation or talent, but also in the ability to access affordable and available energy.

In short, energy is not just another cost, but the backbone of competitiveness. Europe’s ability to ensure reasonably priced supply and guarantee an accessible grid infrastructure will be the true barometer of its future prosperity. The diagnosis has been on the table for some time. What European industry now needs are concrete measures that turn this recognition into competitive prices and guaranteed access to the grid. European industrial competitiveness is at stake in every kilowatt.