Climate Transition and Competitiveness: Ambition, Advantages and Trade-offs

alinnea and IE Competitiveness Hub Brussels organize this distinguished high-level conference that will explore how Europe can sustain its climate ambition while strengthening competitiveness, by better aligning energy strategy, macroeconomic policy and capital mobilisation.

The event will bring together business leaders, public decision-makers, and financial stakeholders and will also examine how collective leadership can turn commitments into implementation in a context of global uncertainty.

PROGRAM

11:00–11:30  |  Arrival of guests

11:30–11:40  |  Welcome Remarks

  • Gonzalo Garland, Executive Vice President, IE Foundation
  • Borja Santos, Associate Dean, IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, IE University


11:40 – 11:50  | alinnea: Catalyzing Transformative Ideas for Climate Action

  • Ana Belén Sánchez, Director, alinnea


11:50–12:10 |  High Level Dialogue “Climate Transition Driving Europe’s Competitiveness, Equity and Security”

  • Sara Aagesen, Third Vice-President of the Government of Spain and Minister for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge
  • Enrico Letta, Dean, School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, IE University. Chair, IE Competitiveness Hub Brussels

 

12:10–13:20 |  “Navigating Energy Uncertainty: Europe’s Competitive Transition”
  • Sara Aagesen, Third Vice-President of the Government of Spain and Minister for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge
  • Frank Elderson, Member of the Executive Board, European Central Bank
  • Enrico Letta, Dean, School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, IE University. Chair, IE Competitiveness Hub Brussels
  • Lara de Mesa, Head of Sustainability, Grupo Santander and co-chair United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Global Steering Committee

 

13:20–13:30 Closing Remarks

  • Isabela del Alcázar Benjumea, Chief Purpose & Sustainability Officer, IE University

 

 

Date:  18th Jun 2026
Venue: IE Tower, 24th Floor. (Paseo de la Castellana, 259E, 28046. Madrid)