24 July 2025, Brussels - The European Initiative for Energy Security (EIES) releases a new report, Against the Headwinds: Securing Europe’s Wind Sector, which outlines a pathway to enhance European leadership in wind power. Intensifying competition from China, coupled with domestic regulatory barriers, component supply chain risks, and infrastructure bottlenecks, is challenging European wind manufacturers' longstanding leadership. And the window to retain that lead is narrowing.

“Failing to invest in securing Europe’s wind sector, from raw materials through to installation, could undermine Europe’s progress toward energy independence," said Lea Romm, author of the report.

Wind energy remains a pillar of European strategic autonomy, key to its energy security and independence, technological and industrial competitiveness, and security capabilities essential for Europe's geopolitical resilience.

"High costs, fragmented markets and regulatory barriers continue to create uncertainty and limit standardisation and economies of scale," said Petya Barzilska, Head of Policy, EIES. "A comprehensive and coordinated strategy, laid out in the paper, is needed to secure the wind sector and seize opportunities at the convergence of energy and security priorities.”

The report sets out policy recommendations, spanning the following strategic domains: strengthening industrial policy, accelerated infrastructure development, a comprehensive materials strategy, and enhanced defence-energy sector cooperation. It calls for action to:

• Standardise auction design by introducing revenue stabilisation and coordinated financial support mechanisms, ensuring that public procurement favours domestic manufacturing, implementing “Made in Europe” criteria, as well as trade defence tools to level the playing field.

• Harmonise regulatory frameworks and markets by creating a one-stop-shop model to accelerate permitting – currently twice as slow as in the US.

• Expand energy infrastructure and grid development by deploying cross-border interconnectors and grid-enhancing technologies, to unlock the 500 GW of potential wind capacity currently awaiting grid connection.

• Develop materials independence through domestic and allied supply chains for key components – particularly rare earth elements and permanent magnets, 93% of which are imported from China. This includes scaling strategic partnerships and improving recycling systems.

• Enhance defence-energy integration by deepening coordination between the EU, NATO, national security authorities, energy planners, and industry representatives. Strengthen cyber and physical security frameworks – including third-country screening – and improve the resilience of critical infrastructure.

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.   

Contact: Isabelle Dupraz, Deputy Director – idupraz@secureenergy.org