The Fundación Consejo España–EE. UU. recently welcomed a high-level delegation from the CFEE, composed of California legislators and representatives from the energy, business, and government sectors of California. The delegation traveled to Spain in October with the aim of learning about pioneering experiences in the country in the fields of energy, infrastructure, and the environment.

Patrons and partners of the Fundación participated in a meeting with the delegation at the Club Financiero Génova (Madrid), which provided an opportunity to exchange experiences on public policies and business projects in energy, infrastructure, and sustainability, as well as to explore new opportunities for cooperation between Spain and California in these strategic areas.

The president and CEO of the U.S. foundation, Jay Hansen, welcomed the attendees and highlighted the value of direct exchange between public officials and the private sector to advance sustainable solutions.
Subsequently, Fernando Prieto, Secretary General of the Fundación Consejo España–EE. UU., emphasized the importance of the visit as an example of bilateral cooperation in areas of international significance, and introduced Josu Jon Imaz, Chairman of the Fundación, who highlighted Spain’s experience in the energy transition and the potential for collaboration with California in clean energy and sustainable mobility.

Next, Diego Martínez Belío, Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs, highlighted the role of the Fundación as a space for dialogue between institutions, companies, and administrations from both countries, emphasizing the importance of these exchanges in strengthening the transatlantic relationship. He also underscored the close ties between Spain and the state of California, based on shared interests in innovation, clean energy, and sustainable development, as well as a common vision regarding global challenges.

For his part, State Senator Brian Jones, head of the California delegation, expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and the opportunity to see firsthand Spain’s progress in renewable energy, transportation, and urban innovation, noting that the Spanish experience offers valuable lessons for California’s own challenges.

The Fundación not only organized this meeting, but also actively supported part of the CFEE’s program in Spain, providing access to key networks, companies, and relevant administrations. This visit reinforces the Fundación’s role as a central platform in the Spain–U.S. relationship, fostering synergies in strategic areas such as the energy transition, high-speed mobility, and smart cities.

During their visit, participants shared their impressions of the various activities, highlighting the presentation of the Madrid 360 strategy by the Madrid City Council on environmental sustainability. Other highly valued experiences included visits related to high-speed rail and sessions on renewable energy, with particular interest in developments in solar-photovoltaic technology integrated into materials.

The delegation emphasized the combination of advanced public policies, business innovation, and technical capacity observed in Spain, noting that many of these lessons could be applied in California to improve the efficiency and development of their own systems.