The EU Projects Podcast: Competitiveness, security and the grids that bind it all

For Manuel, who is Senior European Affairs Advisor at Elia Group and Vice Convener for Policy within ENTSO-E’s Policy and Communications Group, the European energy conversation has clearly evolved. “A few years ago, the focus was on decarbonisation above all,” he says. “Today, competitiveness and security are equally pressing.” Recent geopolitical shocks have reshaped priorities, making energy affordability, security of supply and resilience central to Europe’s long-term strategy. But this, he emphasises, doesn’t mean Europe should lose sight of its green ambitions, rather, decarbonisation remains the foundation for competitiveness and stability.

Looking ahead, Manuel outlines a few concrete priorities: ensuring access to affordable grid technologies, accelerating grid delivery, and unlocking both public and private financing. He also stresses the growing need for electrification, from transport to industry, and the importance of cybersecurity in an increasingly digital energy landscape.

When asked about energy resilience, Manuel’s message is clear: stability and ambition must go hand in hand. “We need stable, long-term goals so investors can trust the framework,” he says. Europe cannot afford to “backtrack on decarbonisation” as clean energy, electrification and robust interconnections remain essential for resilience in an uncertain world.

As for the European Commission’s upcoming Grids Package, Manuel hopes it will prioritise delivery and simplification. Faster permitting, stronger regional cooperation (especially offshore), and greater flexibility in procurement could make a real difference. “It’s not about reinventing the wheel,” he says, “but about removing bottlenecks and working together, TSOs, DSOs, member states and regulators, to make things happen.”

At its core, his message is hopeful: with the right coordination, investment and shared vision, Europe can build the grids, and the resilience, to power a competitive, secure and sustainable future.