Energize Competitiveness

Smart • Safe • Stable

15 October 2026 | Galerie Mánes, Prague | 4:00–8:00 p.m.

The German Czech Economic Forum 2026 “Energize Competitiveness” was truly enlightening!

Electricity does not stop at borders, and neither should our cooperation – that is one of many takeaways of the GCEF conference, which took place on 15 October at the Mánes Gallery in Prague.

Affordable energy, reliable grids, cutting-edge technologies – Europe's industrial competitiveness depends on getting energy right.

We got straight down to business even before the conference began, with two bilateral expert roundtables dedicated to cross-border grid infrastructure and future nuclear technologies – SMRs and nuclear fusion.

The aim was to better understand perspectives on both sides of the border, address common challenges and opportunities, and move things forward. The insights from these discussions also fed into the lively panel debates at the main conference.

In her keynote, Claudia Viohl, CEO and Chairperson of the board from E.ON CZ emphasized that electrification is not a goal in itself, but a means to an end. Building a smarter, more efficient energy system requires stronger cross-border grids, private investment and, above all, the confidence companies need to invest.

A few key takeaways from the discussions:

Competitive industry needs affordable, reliable energy. Improving energy efficiency and embracing new technologies are just as important as expanding energy supply.
Investment needs confidence. Rather than setting ever more targets, companies need predictable frameworks, faster permitting procedures and less bureaucracy to turn ambitions into action.
The future lies in combining our strengths. From smarter interconnected grids to SMRs and nuclear fusion, Czech-German cooperation offers opportunities for innovation, research, industrial expertise and the next generation of talent.

A big thank you to all our speakers, partners, our moderator Michala Hergetová and participants for the inspiring discussions and for moving Czech-German energy cooperation forward!

Photo © Jaromír Zubák

The GCEF 2026 puts energy at the heart of competitiveness. Under the theme “Energize Competitiveness – Smart • Safe • Stable.”, the conference will explore how Czechia and Germany can turn their different energy strategies into a competitive advantage through closer cooperation. The main focus will be on companies strategies and on Czech-German cooperation in cross-border grid and nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs) and fusion energy.

Programme 2026

Preliminary „Expert“ Programme to the GCEF 2026 | 1:00–2:30 p.m.

more information

Main Conference Topics GCEF 2026

4:00-8:00 p.m.

How can companies stay competitive in a high-energy-cost environment?
How can Czechia and Germany cooperate more closely in building a resilient cross-border grid that fully leverages the advantages of each country’s power system?
How can Czechia and Germany join forces in technologies such as SMRs and fusion?

Moderator

Michala Hergetová


Main Conference Programme GCEF 2026 \| 4:00–8:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.	Registration
4:30 p.m.	Openings Bernard Bauer, Executive board member of the German-Czech Chamber of Industry and Commerce Milan Šlachta, President of the German-Czech Chamber of Industry and Commerce
4:45 p.m.	Keynote Addresses Jan Sechter, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic Dr. Thomas Steffen, State Secretary, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE)
5:20 p.m.	Panel Discussion I „Business Leaders“ *"How can companies stay competitive in a high-energy-cost environment?"* Czech and German industry leaders explain the impact of high energy prices and a volatile energy market on their business and their competitiveness and discuss future strategies in a complex environment. Marek Fiala, Sales Director Akkodis CZ Milan Šlachta, Representative of Bosch Group CZ & SK Michael Kerschensteiner, Chief Procurement Officer Škoda Auto Pavel Hadrbolec, CFO T-Business Dr. Niklas Niemann, Principal, Horváth Pavel Boháč, CEO Aimtec
5:50 p.m.	Coffee break
6:10 p.m.	Keynote + Q&A *"From Energy Transition to Competitive Advantage"* Claudia Viohl, CEO and Chair of the Board of E.ON Czech Republic
6:30 p.m.	Panel Discussion II „Grid“ *"How can Czechia and Germany cooperate more closely in building a resilient cross-border grid that fully leverages the advantages of each country’s power system?"* The discussion will be structured around the different perspectives of the two countries and finally potential areas for cooperation. Prof. Mario Ragwitz, Director of Fraunhofer IEG and Scientific Director of the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence “Integrated Energy Systems” (CINES) Marian Rusko, CEO of EG.D, part of E.ON Group René Neděla, Director General of the Energy Section, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic Svatopluk Vnouček, Ph.D., Vice-Chair of the Board, ČEPS (Czech Transmission System Operator) Brigita Jeroncic, Head of Communication & Policy, 50Hertz Transmission GmbH Yvonne Grösch, Head of Subdivision, Department 6 – Energy Regulation, Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) Dr. David Klebs, Deputy Head of the Division for Policy and Planning of Electricity Grids, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE)
7:15 p.m.	Panel Discussion III „SMRs & Fusion“ *"How can Czechia and Germany join forces in technologies such as SMRs and fusion?"* Prof. Radomír Pánek, President of the Czech Academy of Sciences Jaroslav Lahoda, Managing Director, Siemens Energy, s.r.o. Prof. Hartmut Zohm, Head of the Tokamak Scenario Development Division, Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) Tomáš Ehler, Ph.D., Director General of the Nuclear Energy and New Technologies Section, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic
7:50 p.m	Wrap-up & End of GCEF 2026
8:00 p.m.	Dinner buffet & Networking