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Iberdrola’s chairman, Ignacio Galán, announced today that the company is promoting a European energy policy chair in the College of Europe that, as of the next academic year, will be called the Manuel Marín Iberdrola Chair, at a tribute to Fundación Iberdrola España’s former chairman at the Humanities Building in the National Distance Education University (UNED) in Madrid. The College of Europe, which is located in the Belgian city of Bruges, is one of the most prestigious university institutions of the Old Continent and is specialised in European studies.

The chair’s goal is to teach, research and debate European Union energy policies. Amongst the main activities to be promoted are teaching an energy policy course, organising high-level conferences, seminars and workshops with key actors in the legislative process for energy policy, research projects, and, lastly, improving relations between European institutions and leading associations.

The College of Europe played an important role in the life of Manuel Marín. Indeed, it was where he received his first scholarship and became part of one of the first graduating classes of Spanish students in 1973. Later he became a professor and the president of its Administrative Council between 1990 and 1996.

During the event Galán highlighted Manuel Marín’s profound humanity and his professional and political talent, as well as his public service vocation and contribution to university life. Iberdrola’s chairman also underlined that under his leadership “Fundación Iberdrola España established itself as a leading institution in Spain. Thanks to him it has gained visibility and made a greater social impact”.

The tribute was hosted by the Vice Chancellor of UNED, Alejandro Tiana. Also participating were Felipe González, former president of the Spanish government, the president of the Congress of Deputies Ana Pastor, and former minister and former commissioner of the European Union Abel Matutes.

Marín, who passed away on 4 December, had headed Fundación Iberdrola España since 2008. Thanks to his extensive international experience and inclusive spirit, he sealed the company’s firm commitment to energy, cultural and social development in the communities where Iberdrola does business, promoting initiatives that help improve the quality of life of many people.

In his speech, Iberdrola’s chairman affirmed that “it has been a real honour and privilege to have someone of his personal and professional calibre at our side” and cited Manuel Marín as the key to Fundación Iberdrola España’s transformation into a modern, dynamic institution at the service of tomorrow’s society.