European energy policy a failure, says GDF Suez CEO
GDF Suez’s Mestrallet hits out in speech to WEC 2013
European energy policies are a “failure” which have resulted in increased carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, reduced energy security and high prices, according to the head of one of Europe’s biggest energy companies. Gérard Mestrallet, chief executive of French company GDF Suez, said that this failure was compounded by the hesitancy of governments in pursuing shale oil and gas opportunities which could alleviate some of Europe’s economic problems. Speaking at the session, Shale Gas and Oil: Is it Just a Bubble? yesterday, Mestrallet hailed the US’ shale-gas experience and the profound effect it was having on its economy. “The phenomenon has effected the whole economy by boosting the US’ global
Also in this section
16 April 2026
Demand for oil is falling because supply cannot meet it, not because it is no longer required
16 April 2026
The continent has an immediate opportunity to make the most of its energy resources by capturing gas that is currently slipping away
15 April 2026
The continent is seeing political pushback to climate plans, corporate reassessment of transition goals and rising supply risk in a fractured global order
15 April 2026
The Middle East energy crisis may turn out to be pivotal to the industry’s long-term expansion, but significant challenges still stand in its way






