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
2 April 2026
Alongside a rapid continued build-out of renewables, China’s latest five-year plan stresses the value of domestic hydrocarbon production for energy security and calls for increased Russian gas imports
2 April 2026
The government is taking important steps to revive domestic production, lift investment and benefit from the geopolitical crisis even if more needs to be done in the longer term
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices






