Keeping industry running: Why addressing natural gas demand matters for Europe’s industry competitiveness

François-Régis Mouton de Lostalot-Lassalle is the Managing Director of IOGP Europe. With over 30 years of experience in the energy sector, he has gained a profound understanding of the impact oil and gas—and energy in general—have had and will continue to have on the functioning and development of societies.

He recognizes the critical role energy will play in the years ahead, not only in shaping our standard of living but also in addressing climate concerns. Throughout his career, François-Régis has worked with a diverse range of organizations and institutions, broadening his perspective on the role of oil and gas in society and the importance of ensuring these resources are used responsibly to meet the challenges of today’s world.

His passion and dedication to his work have led him to his current role as Regional Director for Europe at the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) in Brussels. He has enjoyed this opportunity for the past six years, particularly thanks to the exceptional team of talented and driven individuals he works with at IOGP.

Nicola is the Executive Director Climate Change and Energy of Cefic. Before this role, he has gained extensive experience in Brussels. Since February 2003 Nicola has been working in Brussels on EU-related policies for a wide range of stakeholders, including industry associations, the European Commission, NGOs, governmental institutes and consultancies. His main areas of expertise are energy and environmental policies.

Nicola joined Cefic in December 2020 as the new Energy Director. In April 2023, he has been appointed Executive Director Climate Change and Energy of Cefic. In his role, Nicola represents the industry’s interests to European institutions, international organisations and relevant stakeholders.

Nicola has a master’s degree in law from the University of Turin, an advanced master’s in political and social European integration from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and a master of laws in energy and environmental law from KU Leuven.

Tsvetelina Penkova was born on February 19, 1988, in Sofia. She holds a Master's in Financial Economics from Oxford University in the UK. She has completed a double Bachelor’s degree at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy, and the Central European University in Budapest, Hungary, and an affiliated program at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.
Her professional experience has been accumulated as a finance specialist at an investment fund in London, an investment banker at the Royal Bank of Scotland and an analyst at Egon Zehnder.

She is a member of the European Parliament of the Group of Socialists and Democrats.