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The Speakers
Katherina REICHEFederal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Germany
Europe’s Energy Mix: Strength Through Diversified Energy Strategies
As Europe races to secure a stable, carbon-neutral energy supply, its member states are not placing the same bets. This session explores strategic divergences between three key EU industrial nations. Poland is accelerating renewables through major investments in onshore and offshore wind, while Sweden is reversing its nuclear phase-out to strengthen energy security and grid stability. Germany, meanwhile, continues to navigate its Energiewende. Bringing together ministers from all three countries, this high-level panel examines whether these differing strategies can be integrated—turning national diversity into collective strength or revealing conflicting visions for Europe’s energy future.
Dan JØRGENSENEuropean Commissioner for Energy and Housing
Europe’s Energy Mix: Strength Through Diversified Energy Strategies
As Europe races to secure a stable, carbon-neutral energy supply, its member states are not placing the same bets. This session explores strategic divergences between three key EU industrial nations. Poland is accelerating renewables through major investments in onshore and offshore wind, while Sweden is reversing its nuclear phase-out to strengthen energy security and grid stability. Germany, meanwhile, continues to navigate its Energiewende. Bringing together ministers from all three countries, this high-level panel examines whether these differing strategies can be integrated—turning national diversity into collective strength or revealing conflicting visions for Europe’s energy future.
Joe KAESERChairman of the Supervisory Board, Siemens Energy AG; Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Daimler Truck Holding AG
Conversation | Rules Without Power? Developing Europe’s Geostrategic Capacity
Power politics is back. As global rules fracture and the WTO order fades, Europe risks becoming a rule-taker on trade, AI, energy, and critical resources. This conversation examines what a credible European offer to the world must look like to restore geostrategic agency: modernising Europe’s power toolkit and forging global partnerships beyond NATO and the G7 to shape the next global order. In an era of tariffs and weaponised interdependence, Europe must work with global middle powers to avoid being trapped in superpower rivalry. It must evolve from a peace and economic project to a fully-fledged geostrategic actor.
Wolfgang ISCHINGERChairman, Munich Security Conference
Opening Impulse | The Politics of Innovation. Europe’s Strategic Imperative
A European perspective on the race to scale. This keynote sets the stage for the day, examining how policy, strategy, and vision can align to turn Europe’s innovation potential into geopolitical strength - and how leadership at the EU level can shape a more secure, competitive, and climate-resilient continent.
Fiona MURRAYAssociate Dean for Innovation, MIT Sloan School of Management & Vice Chair, NATO Innovation Fund
Panel | Between Ambition and Reality: Investing in Europe’s Next Industrial Era
A frank debate on Europe’s competitiveness in the global cleantech race. As Asia accelerates and the U.S. reshapes industrial policy, which forms of innovation offer credible pathways to European industrial leadership? What does it take to turn innovation into bankable, manufacturable impact and take leadership in technology and strategic autonomy?
Yair REEMPartner, Extantia Capital
Panel | Between Ambition and Reality: Investing in Europe’s Next Industrial Era
A frank debate on Europe’s competitiveness in the global cleantech race. As Asia accelerates and the U.S. reshapes industrial policy, which forms of innovation offer credible pathways to European industrial leadership? What does it take to turn innovation into bankable, manufacturable impact and take leadership in technology and strategic autonomy?
Siby DIABIRASenior Manager, Venture Capital and Private Equity, Europe, International Finance Corporation
Panel | Between Ambition and Reality: Investing in Europe’s Next Industrial Era
A frank debate on Europe’s competitiveness in the global cleantech race. As Asia accelerates and the U.S. reshapes industrial policy, which forms of innovation offer credible pathways to European industrial leadership? What does it take to turn innovation into bankable, manufacturable impact and take leadership in technology and strategic autonomy?
Maria LEPTINPresident, European Research Council (ERC)
Closing Conversation I An Innovation Win-Win for Economy and Society
An inspiring talk bridging technology and human purpose, reflecting on how innovation can serve not only technological and economic progress, but also strengthen resilience, foster cooperation across sectors, and contribute meaningfully to the common good.
Carlos PASCUALSenior Vice President for Geopolitics and International Affairs, S&P Global Commodity Insights; former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and Ukraine
Closing Conversation I An Innovation Win-Win for Economy and Society
An inspiring talk bridging technology and human purpose, reflecting on how innovation can serve not only technological and economic progress, but also strengthen resilience, foster cooperation across sectors, and contribute meaningfully to the common good.
Investing in Europe: Powering a Secure European Energy Future
Europe’s energy independence is an urgent imperative. But achieving it requires capital: massive, strategic and patient. This session explores how Europe can mobilize the investments needed to secure its energy future. Key questions include: How can Europe mobilize its private capital? If Europe wants to be energy independent – can it afford to be financially independent? What would make European energy projects truly investable? And how can the continent leverage partnerships and investments beyond its borders without compromising strategic autonomy?
Olivia LAZARDPlanetary Fellow, Berggruen Institute; Nonresident Fellow, Carnegie Europe
Conversation | Rules Without Power? Developing Europe’s Geostrategic Capacity
Power politics is back. As global rules fracture and the WTO order fades, Europe risks becoming a rule-taker on trade, AI, energy, and critical resources. This conversation examines what a credible European offer to the world must look like to restore geostrategic agency: modernising Europe’s power toolkit and forging global partnerships beyond NATO and the G7 to shape the next global order. In an era of tariffs and weaponised interdependence, Europe must work with global middle powers to avoid being trapped in superpower rivalry. It must evolve from a peace and economic project to a fully-fledged geostrategic actor.
Nils GIESECEO Germany, Edelman
Edelman Trust Barometer | German Report Launch
This session marks the German launch of the Edelman Trust Barometer 2026, presented by Edelman in cooperation with the Atlantik-Brücke, in the context of the Munich Security Conference. Drawing on 26 years of trust data, the conversation will explore how trust has been shaped by geopolitical disruption, societal polarization and economic uncertainty - and how it can be actively rebuilt. The session will focus on the role of leadership across business, politics and society in restoring confidence, legitimacy and social cohesion in Germany.
Sigmar GABRIELChairman of Atlantik-Brücke, Former Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor of Germany
Edelman Trust Barometer | German Report Launch
This session marks the German launch of the Edelman Trust Barometer 2026, presented by Edelman in cooperation with the Atlantik-Brücke, in the context of the Munich Security Conference. Drawing on 26 years of trust data, the conversation will explore how trust has been shaped by geopolitical disruption, societal polarization and economic uncertainty - and how it can be actively rebuilt. The session will focus on the role of leadership across business, politics and society in restoring confidence, legitimacy and social cohesion in Germany.
Harald VON HEYDENGlobal Head of Energy and Infrastructure, Norges Bank Investment Management
Investing in Europe: Powering a Secure European Energy Future
Europe’s energy independence is an urgent imperative. But achieving it requires capital: massive, strategic and patient. This session explores how Europe can mobilize the investments needed to secure its energy future. Key questions include: How can Europe mobilize its private capital? If Europe wants to be energy independent – can it afford to be financially independent? What would make European energy projects truly investable? And how can the continent leverage partnerships and investments beyond its borders without compromising strategic autonomy?
Julia PRESCOTCo-Founder, Meridiam; Deputy Chair, National Infrastructure Commission, United Kingdom
Investing in Europe: Powering a Secure European Energy Future
Europe’s energy independence is an urgent imperative. But achieving it requires capital: massive, strategic and patient. This session explores how Europe can mobilize the investments needed to secure its energy future. Key questions include: How can Europe mobilize its private capital? If Europe wants to be energy independent – can it afford to be financially independent? What would make European energy projects truly investable? And how can the continent leverage partnerships and investments beyond its borders without compromising strategic autonomy?
Marie JARONICEO, thyssenkrupp Steel Europe
Leap or Lose: The New Industrial Playbook for Europe
What would truly move the needle for European CEOs to stay, invest and grow in Europe?
This session explores where Europe goes next and how industrial leaders and policymakers plan to get there. Europe’s CEOs face a defining challenge: remaining competitive amid high energy costs and global realignment. The discussion will outline the scale of this challenge, the strategies being deployed to turn it into opportunity, and the regulatory shifts needed to unlock growth. Bringing together industrial leaders and European policymakers, the session examines how CEOs are driving European competitiveness from the front lines.
Markus KAMIETHCEO, BASF
Leap or Lose: The New Industrial Playbook for Europe
What would truly move the needle for European CEOs to stay, invest and grow in Europe?
This session explores where Europe goes next and how industrial leaders and policymakers plan to get there. Europe’s CEOs face a defining challenge: remaining competitive amid high energy costs and global realignment. The discussion will outline the scale of this challenge, the strategies being deployed to turn it into opportunity, and the regulatory shifts needed to unlock growth. Bringing together industrial leaders and European policymakers, the session examines how CEOs are driving European competitiveness from the front lines.
Carsten KNOBELCEO, Henkel
Leap or Lose: The New Industrial Playbook for Europe
What would truly move the needle for European CEOs to stay, invest and grow in Europe?
This session explores where Europe goes next and how industrial leaders and policymakers plan to get there. Europe’s CEOs face a defining challenge: remaining competitive amid high energy costs and global realignment. The discussion will outline the scale of this challenge, the strategies being deployed to turn it into opportunity, and the regulatory shifts needed to unlock growth. Bringing together industrial leaders and European policymakers, the session examines how CEOs are driving European competitiveness from the front lines.
Christian BRUCHCEO, Siemens Energy
Energy Resilience “Made in Europe”
Can Europe trade complacency for "wartime" speed? This session explores how the ERLG is driving re-industrialization through new coalitions of action and "Made in Europe" policies. As the global order shifts, European leaders face a defining challenge: reclaiming strategic sovereignty in energy and technology. Bringing together industrial CEOs, financial experts, and policymakers, the panel will debate the financing, regulatory agility, and local content rules needed to turn energy security into a sovereign competitive engine for growth.
Ann METTLERBoard Member, European Innovation Council
Energy Resilience “Made in Europe”
Can Europe trade complacency for "wartime" speed? This session explores how the ERLG is driving re-industrialization through new coalitions of action and "Made in Europe" policies. As the global order shifts, European leaders face a defining challenge: reclaiming strategic sovereignty in energy and technology. Bringing together industrial CEOs, financial experts, and policymakers, the panel will debate the financing, regulatory agility, and local content rules needed to turn energy security into a sovereign competitive engine for growth.
Heike FREUNDChief Operating Officer, Marvel Fusion
Energy Resilience “Made in Europe”
Can Europe trade complacency for "wartime" speed? This session explores how the ERLG is driving re-industrialization through new coalitions of action and "Made in Europe" policies. As the global order shifts, European leaders face a defining challenge: reclaiming strategic sovereignty in energy and technology. Bringing together industrial CEOs, financial experts, and policymakers, the panel will debate the financing, regulatory agility, and local content rules needed to turn energy security into a sovereign competitive engine for growth.
Michael BRIGLHead of Central Europe, Boston Consulting Group
Powering the Future: Securing Europe's Energy Supply in the Age of AI
Artificial intelligence is set to have far-reaching implications for Europe’s energy system, as the rapid expansion of data centers and AI infrastructure accelerates electricity demand growth. Meeting this demand securely, affordably, and sustainably will test Europe’s energy infrastructure, investment frameworks, and policy coordination.
At the same time, AI has the potential to become a powerful tool for the energy sector, improving system efficiency, optimizing grid operations, and accelerating the integration of new technologies. These benefits are not automatic and will depend on timely investment, regulatory clarity, and the ability to manage new risks, including cybersecurity and supply chain dependencies. This session will explore how Europe can navigate the opportunities and challenges created by AI-driven energy demand through solution-oriented approaches. It will examine the policy choices, investment priorities, and partnerships required to ensure AI strengthens energy security, manages costs, and reinforces industrial competitiveness.
Charles MEYERSExecutive Chairman, Equinix
Powering the Future: Securing Europe's Energy Supply in the Age of AI
Artificial intelligence is set to have far-reaching implications for Europe’s energy system, as the rapid expansion of data centers and AI infrastructure accelerates electricity demand growth. Meeting this demand securely, affordably, and sustainably will test Europe’s energy infrastructure, investment frameworks, and policy coordination.
At the same time, AI has the potential to become a powerful tool for the energy sector, improving system efficiency, optimizing grid operations, and accelerating the integration of new technologies. These benefits are not automatic and will depend on timely investment, regulatory clarity, and the ability to manage new risks, including cybersecurity and supply chain dependencies. This session will explore how Europe can navigate the opportunities and challenges created by AI-driven energy demand through solution-oriented approaches. It will examine the policy choices, investment priorities, and partnerships required to ensure AI strengthens energy security, manages costs, and reinforces industrial competitiveness.
Birgitte RINGSTAD VARTDALCEO and President, Statkraft
Powering the Future: Securing Europe's Energy Supply in the Age of AI
Artificial intelligence is set to have far-reaching implications for Europe’s energy system, as the rapid expansion of data centers and AI infrastructure accelerates electricity demand growth. Meeting this demand securely, affordably, and sustainably will test Europe’s energy infrastructure, investment frameworks, and policy coordination.
At the same time, AI has the potential to become a powerful tool for the energy sector, improving system efficiency, optimizing grid operations, and accelerating the integration of new technologies. These benefits are not automatic and will depend on timely investment, regulatory clarity, and the ability to manage new risks, including cybersecurity and supply chain dependencies. This session will explore how Europe can navigate the opportunities and challenges created by AI-driven energy demand through solution-oriented approaches. It will examine the policy choices, investment priorities, and partnerships required to ensure AI strengthens energy security, manages costs, and reinforces industrial competitiveness.
Reinhard HÜTTLManaging Partner and Scientific Director, Eco-Environment Innovation (EEI); former Chairman of the Board, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences
Closing Fireside Chat | Europe on the Couch: From Fear’s Diagnosis to Future Strength
We live in an era in which political and economic choices are increasingly shaped by worst-case scenarios, from security risks and demographic pressures to climate and technological disruption. But democracies do not endure through crisis management alone. They also depend on confidence, purpose, and optimism. This closing conversation explores the psychological and geopolitical forces shaping Europe’s future at a moment of acceleration. As energy security and industrial competitiveness re-emerge as core elements of sovereignty, Europe faces a decisive test: whether it will continue to manage uncertainty reactively or use this moment to design a new, forward-looking model of strength. The session challenges the impulse to replicate past models and instead asks how Europe can forge a new sovereign path, one that aligns scientific excellence, industrial capability, democratic legitimacy, and collaboration. The focus is not on avoiding vulnerability, but on transforming it into a catalyst for long-term resilience and leadership.
Dubravka ŠUICACommissioner for the Mediterranean, European Commission
Breakfast Discussion | Geopolitical Power Brokers: Economic Corridors for Energy Security
A rising cohort of geopolitically influential states is translating great power competition into strategic leverage over energy, technology, and critical supply chains. By balancing relations between Washington, Beijing, and Brussels, states across the Euro Mediterranean region and the Indo-Pacific are shaping economic and energy corridors that are redefining global investment flows and positioning themselves as key connectors between regions. As Europe’s energy security becomes increasingly dependent on cross-border electricity, green hydrogen, and diversified supply chains, emerging economic corridors linking the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific are transforming energy and trade flows, consolidating influence over future energy chokepoints, and accelerating low-carbon infrastructure development.
This session examines how Europe can engage proactively with these states and regions to build resilient, low-carbon economic corridors, secure trusted supply chains, and align critical infrastructure investments with long-term energy security and climate objectives.
Narendra TANEJAPresident, World Energy Policy Summit
Breakfast Discussion | Geopolitical Power Brokers: Economic Corridors for Energy Security
A rising cohort of geopolitically influential states is translating great power competition into strategic leverage over energy, technology, and critical supply chains. By balancing relations between Washington, Beijing, and Brussels, states across the Euro Mediterranean region and the Indo-Pacific are shaping economic and energy corridors that are redefining global investment flows and positioning themselves as key connectors between regions. As Europe’s energy security becomes increasingly dependent on cross-border electricity, green hydrogen, and diversified supply chains, emerging economic corridors linking the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific are transforming energy and trade flows, consolidating influence over future energy chokepoints, and accelerating low-carbon infrastructure development.
This session examines how Europe can engage proactively with these states and regions to build resilient, low-carbon economic corridors, secure trusted supply chains, and align critical infrastructure investments with long-term energy security and climate objectives.
Michelle ROZOVice Chair, National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB); Vice President of Technical Capabilities, In-Q-Tel
The Leapfrog Imperative: Securing the West’s Next-Gen Tech Advantage
It is self-evident by now that China and the West are locked in an escalating tech competition, driven by export controls, market restrictions, and digital sovereignty policies, with far-reaching consequences from artificial intelligence to the global green transition. This rivalry has exposed deep mutual dependencies, as supply chain disruptions force companies to adapt to a more uncertain future. As attention shifts to the next generation of general-purpose technologies, the central question is how the West can secure future economic security and competitiveness. While it retains a strong research and development edge, it continues to struggle with commercialization and scale. Ensuring long-term economic resilience will require overcoming today’s technological vulnerabilities.
Tore O. SANDVIKMinister of Defence, Norway
Northern Lights On: Energy Security in a New Era for the Arctic
The Arctic is no longer a remote frontier; it is a central arena for 21st-century energy security. A rapidly changing climate, new economic opportunities, and a fractured geopolitical landscape have thrust the region to the forefront of global strategic stakes.
This new reality presents a major strategic challenge for the European Union and the West, highlighting the urgent need to forge a coherent, forward-looking policy for the region.
This high-level session explores “the new era for the Arctic" by focusing on the profound trilemma at its heart: How to balance the urgent need for stable energy for Europe and the world, the global imperative of the green transition, and the new realities of regional security?
Arancha GONZÁLEZ LAYADean of the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA), Sciences Po and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Spain
Andreas SCHIERENBECKCEO, Hitachi Energy
Opening Conversation | The Electricity Age: The Grid as the Backbone of Energy Security
We have entered the ‘Electricity Age’, driven by AI’s soaring demand and industrial decarbonization. While digital innovation dominates headlines, its future depends on the power grid. The keynote reframes energy security as technological sovereignty and calls the grid a core driver of competitiveness.
Wolfgang FINKCEO, Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE
Panel | Between Ambition and Reality: Investing in Europe’s Next Industrial Era
A frank debate on Europe’s competitiveness in the global cleantech race. As Asia accelerates and the U.S. reshapes industrial policy, which forms of innovation offer credible pathways to European industrial leadership? What does it take to turn innovation into bankable, manufacturable impact and take leadership in technology and strategic autonomy?
Claudia OEKINGAirbus SE
Edelman Trust Barometer | German Report Launch
This session marks the German launch of the Edelman Trust Barometer 2026, presented by Edelman in cooperation with the Atlantik-Brücke, in the context of the Munich Security Conference. Drawing on 26 years of trust data, the conversation will explore how trust has been shaped by geopolitical disruption, societal polarization and economic uncertainty - and how it can be actively rebuilt. The session will focus on the role of leadership across business, politics and society in restoring confidence, legitimacy and social cohesion in Germany.
Bogdan-Gruia IVANMinister of Energy, Romania; former Minister of Research, Innovation and Digitalization
Europe’s Energy Mix: Strength Through Diversified Energy Strategies
As Europe races to secure a stable, carbon-neutral energy supply, its member states are not placing the same bets. This session explores strategic divergences between three key EU industrial nations. Poland is accelerating renewables through major investments in onshore and offshore wind, while Sweden is reversing its nuclear phase-out to strengthen energy security and grid stability. Germany, meanwhile, continues to navigate its Energiewende. Bringing together ministers from all three countries, this high-level panel examines whether these differing strategies can be integrated—turning national diversity into collective strength or revealing conflicting visions for Europe’s energy future.
Stefan WINTELSCEO, KfW
Edelman Trust Barometer | German Report Launch
This session marks the German launch of the Edelman Trust Barometer 2026, presented by Edelman in cooperation with the Atlantik-Brücke, in the context of the Munich Security Conference. Drawing on 26 years of trust data, the conversation will explore how trust has been shaped by geopolitical disruption, societal polarization and economic uncertainty - and how it can be actively rebuilt. The session will focus on the role of leadership across business, politics and society in restoring confidence, legitimacy and social cohesion in Germany.
Jessika ROSWALLEU Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy
Leap or Lose: The New Industrial Playbook for Europe
What would truly move the needle for European CEOs to stay, invest and grow in Europe?
This session explores where Europe goes next and how industrial leaders and policymakers plan to get there. Europe’s CEOs face a defining challenge: remaining competitive amid high energy costs and global realignment. The discussion will outline the scale of this challenge, the strategies being deployed to turn it into opportunity, and the regulatory shifts needed to unlock growth. Bringing together industrial leaders and European policymakers, the session examines how CEOs are driving European competitiveness from the front lines.
Jason BORDOFFFounding Director, Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University; Former Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Energy and Climate Change on the Staff of the National Security Council (U.S.)
Closing Fireside Chat | Europe on the Couch: From Fear’s Diagnosis to Future Strength
We live in an era in which political and economic choices are increasingly shaped by worst-case scenarios, from security risks and demographic pressures to climate and technological disruption. But democracies do not endure through crisis management alone. They also depend on confidence, purpose, and optimism. This closing conversation explores the psychological and geopolitical forces shaping Europe’s future at a moment of acceleration. As energy security and industrial competitiveness re-emerge as core elements of sovereignty, Europe faces a decisive test: whether it will continue to manage uncertainty reactively or use this moment to design a new, forward-looking model of strength. The session challenges the impulse to replicate past models and instead asks how Europe can forge a new sovereign path, one that aligns scientific excellence, industrial capability, democratic legitimacy, and collaboration. The focus is not on avoiding vulnerability, but on transforming it into a catalyst for long-term resilience and leadership.
