How can Europe’s companies remain relevant in the 21st century?
For much of the past few decades, European companies could cruise along in the global economy, fueled by cheap energy, the benefits of integrating markets, and preferred access to both the U.S. and Chinese consumer. The halo of German cars and machines, Italian and French luxury goods, and the continent’s financial prowess did the rest.
But today, Europe’s businesses are under stresses they haven’t experienced in at least 40 years. The reliance on cheap Russian gas is over; oil and gas will need to largely disappear from the energy mix by 2050; and both the U.S. and China are far ahead in manufacturing and technology, making the Fortune 500 Europe list look like a blast from the past.
Who are the industry leaders shaping Europe's future? Starting Nov. 29, a new newsletter, Fortune CEO Weekly Europe, will shine a light on the European industries and leaders of tomorrow. It will show who succeeds where others fail, and explore whether and how Europe’s economy can regain its strength globally, with special attention to sustainable business transformations.
My name is Peter Vanham. I’m an executive editor at Fortune, and I’m excited to write this newsletter every Wednesday for you from my hometown, Geneva, Switzerland. You may know me as a once-a-week author of the CEO Daily newsletter, the writer of the weekly Impact Report newsletter, or from my book on stakeholder capitalism.
Europe is my home, and I look forward to taking you on a journey to rediscover our continent.
Until soon, from Europe!
Peter
