Markus Rauramo, CEO of Fortum, has been appointed President of Eurelectric, the association representing the European electricity industry in Brussels. He is joined by Catherine MacGregor, CEO of Engie, and Georgios Stassis, Chairman and CEO of Public Power Corporation (PPC) in Greece, as Vice-Presidents. Together, they will lead Eurelectric at a time when Europe’s power sector faces growing pressure to accelerate electrification while ensuring energy security and industrial competitiveness.
The new presidency steps in amid overlapping challenges: climate change is advancing, energy systems are under stress, and geopolitical developments are reshaping Europe’s approach to energy resilience. At the same time, the rapid growth of digital technologies and artificial intelligence is opening new paths for how electricity is produced, distributed, and consumed.
In his first remarks as president, Markus Rauramo emphasized the need for coordinated action to advance clean electrification. “We must electrify to decarbonise, industrialise to compete, and digitalise to lead,” he says, framing the energy transition as part of a broader shift in Europe’s economic and technological landscape.
A key priority for the new leadership is to strengthen the role of electricity as a strategic enabler — not just of climate policy, but also of industrial renewal and energy independence. This means investing in flexible generation capacity, modernizing grids, and preparing systems to cope with both extreme weather and cyber threats. Catherine MacGregor highlighted the role of cross-border cooperation and long-term planning in maintaining a reliable and decarbonised power system.
Another area of focus will be the impact of digitalization and AI. Georgios Stassis pointed to the growing role of intelligent systems in managing energy flows, increasing efficiency, and enabling new business models. He stressed the importance of using digital innovation to future-proof Europe’s electricity systems.
To support its agenda, Eurelectric under the new presidency will launch research initiatives on electrification, system resilience, and digital transformation. These are intended to provide evidence-based input for policy development and guide investments in the power sector.
The presidency also aims to promote dialogue among industry stakeholders, consumers, and policymakers to ensure that the transition remains inclusive and aligned with broader economic goals.