We cordially invite you to a roundtable discussion with Eric Wiebes, State Councilor and former politician, regarding the essential nexus of materials, energy, industry, and defense. During this evening, energy expert and researcher Remco de Boer, known for the Studio Energie podcast, will share his keen insights on the energy transition. He will reflect on Wiebes’ perspective and looks forward to engaging in a dialogue with you and the other attendees about the choices and challenges that lie ahead. How do we increase our energy independence? Which unpopular choices are inevitable, and who dares to bear the consequences and actually set the course? This Visionary Circle promises sharp insights, uncomfortable truths, and thought-provoking conversations. We look forward to receiving your registration!
CEOs and Supervisory Board
5:30 PM | Program starts (including presentation, discussion, and 3-course dinner)
8:30 PM | End of formal program, opportunity for informal networking
Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin, Noordwijk
State Councillor in the Advisory Division of the Council of State and former Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (speaking in a personal capacity)
Eric Wiebes has been appointed State Councilor in the Advisory Division of the Council of State, effective February 1, 2026. He specializes in corporate sustainability and the energy transition, advising both private and public organizations on strategy, performance improvement, and feasible, fact-based solutions. Previously, he served as Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, State Secretary for Finance, and Alderman for the City of Amsterdam. Before entering politics, he held positions as Director of Market Regulation and Deputy Secretary-General at the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Eric Wiebes holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Delft University of Technology, as well as an MBA from INSEAD.
Researcher ir.
Researcher ir. Remco de Boer writes and speaks about energy and climate. He is the creator of the podcast Studio Energie, a weekly interview program, started in 2018, featuring the main players in the European energy and climate debate.
In 2024, his latest book was published, Droomland – het Nederlandse energie- en klimaatbeleid en wat ervan terechtkwam [Dreamland – Dutch energy and climate policy and what became of it]. Droomland is the sobering, moving, and at times disillusioning story of a quarter-century of energy and climate policy.
In 2015, he published Tussen hoogmoed en hysterie, a revealing reconstruction of the fight against shale gas in the Netherlands. Previously, De Boer was a commentator at BNR Nieuwsradio and wrote expert articles for Het Financiële Dagblad.
The Netherlands is at a tipping point. According to Eric Wiebes, we are in a third phase of the energy transition. Previously, energy policy revolved around the availability of raw materials, then around CO₂ reduction. Geopolitics, energy security, and safety now determine the agenda. Energy is no longer just a climate issue, but a strategic security issue. Do we dare to make the choices that truly make us independent, or do we wait while other countries strengthen their position?
According to Eric, the Netherlands is strong in identifying problems but remains stuck in demonizing solutions. We complain about an uneven playing field, but sometimes we do not dare to take unavoidable measures. Meanwhile, China and the US know exactly what they want and pursue targeted energy policies. What happens if we react too slowly?
We cordially invite you to a roundtable discussion with Eric Wiebes, State Councilor and former politician, regarding the essential nexus of materials, energy, industry, and defense. During this evening, energy expert and researcher Remco de Boer, known for the Studio Energie podcast, will share his keen insights on the energy transition. He will reflect on Wiebes’ perspective and looks forward to engaging in a dialogue with you and the other attendees about the choices and challenges that lie ahead. How do we increase our energy independence? Which unpopular choices are inevitable, and who dares to bear the consequences and actually set the course? This Visionary Circle promises sharp insights, uncomfortable truths, and thought-provoking conversations. We look forward to receiving your registration!
