EIES strengthens Energy Security Leadership Council–Europe, welcoming Camilla Salthe, Nebahat Albayrak, and Dr Reinhard Ploss
Brussels, 04 March 2026 – The European Initiative for Energy Security (EIES) is pleased to welcome Nebahat Albayrak of Fortum, Camilla Salthe of Equinor, and Dr Reinhard Ploss of Knorr-Bremse to its Energy Security Leadership Council-Europe (ESLC-E), bolstering EIES’ efforts to promote a secure and resilient energy future for Europe. With traditional alliances under strain, the rules-based international order deteriorating, and Europe’s competitiveness at risk, Europe must embrace a new energy realism to address existential economic and security challenges.
The ESLC-E works across silos toward a safer, more autonomous Europe that can live up to its values. Albayrak, Salthe, and Dr Ploss will add valuable perspectives from Norway, Finland, and Germany to the ESLC-E and will work alongside former military officials, industry leaders, and policymakers to promote solutions that enhance energy security, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy.
Nebahat Albayrak, Executive Vice President for Sustainability and Corporate Relations at Fortum, a Nordic energy company, brings extensive experience in the energy sector, navigating the complex balance among reliable energy supply, independence, and strategic resilience. She explained, “Europe's energy security requires diversification and robust domestic energy production. Accelerating electrification will reduce our dependence on external sources, strengthen our competitiveness and security without having to compromise our climate.”
Camilla Salthe, Executive Vice President for Safety, Security, and Sustainability at Equinor, an international energy company, brings deep expertise in operational security, supply chain resilience, and risk management, as well as insight into safeguarding critical energy infrastructure against emerging threats. Commenting on her new role with the ESLC-E, she said: “Energy security is about more than just supply volumes—it's about protecting the infrastructure, supply chains, and operational systems that keep energy flowing reliably. As we face increasing geopolitical tensions and hybrid threats, Europe must take a comprehensive approach to safeguarding its energy systems.”
Dr Reinhard Ploss is the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Knorr-Bremse, the global market and technology leader for braking systems and a leading supplier of other innovative mobility solutions. As the former CEO of Infineon and a current Supervisory Board Member of Deutsche Telekom, Dr Ploss brings broad and unparalleled experience across several industries in technology leadership and European manufacturing competitiveness, championing semiconductor sovereignty and supply chain resilience. “These issues are now central to Europe's strategic autonomy,” Dr Ploss noted on his announcement. “Strategic technologies underpin Europe’s industrial success. But our technological sovereignty is in danger, and we need to protect and safeguard our industrial base.”
Albéric Mongrenier, EIES’ Executive Director, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Ms Albayrak, Ms Salthe and Dr Ploss to the Energy Security Leadership Council. They bring an impressive, diverse track record of expertise, leadership and innovation in sectors critical to Europe’s energy future. Their contributions will significantly bolster EIES’s mission to secure a resilient energy system for Europe.”
About EIES
The European Initiative for Energy Security (EIES) advocates for secure pan-European and national energy policies, dedicated to fostering collaboration between government and industry leaders. EIES seeks to address critical energy challenges and champion comprehensive solutions for the benefit of Europe's energy security, transition, and industrial competitiveness. EIES works with the Energy Security Leadership Council-Europe (ESLC-Europe), composed of retired military, former political and active business figures, to achieve these goals.
Media Contact:
Tim Kirstein, tkirstein@secureenergy.org