KPMG and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce are launching the first edition of “Brussels Expedition” to strengthen the presence and influence of Spanish companies within European institutions
Brussels, 16 April 2026. – KPMG and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce’s Delegation to the European Union are hosting the first edition of ‘Brussels Expedition’ on 15 and 16 April, a new initiative designed to bring Spanish family businesses closer to the heart of European decision-making. The aim is to boost their profile within the EU and enable them to play an active role in addressing the major economic challenges facing the European Union.
In this first edition, ‘Anticipating Risks in Turbulent Times’, the focus is on the EU’s economic security and how Spanish companies can anticipate the risks arising from geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and global technological competition. The delegation included five leading companies in their respective sectors: Grupo Azvi (infrastructure and services), Grupo Oesía (defence technology and cybersecurity), Proeduca/UNIR (online higher education), Saica (sustainable paper and packaging solutions) and Vidrala (glass packaging). All of these represent key sectors for Europe’s economic transformation, ranging from the energy transition to artificial intelligence, including defence technology and the circular economy.
Over the course of two intensive days, the companies held meetings and discussions with senior officials from the main European institutions. The first day began with a lunch-time discussion on European competitiveness with Elisa Roller, Director for Prosperity and Competitiveness at the European Commission’s Secretariat-General. Afterwards, Peter Sandler, Director of Economic Security at DG TRADE, then presented the EU’s new economic security framework, followed by a panel discussion on how to ensure fair competition in the face of foreign investment and subsidies, featuring Carolina Cumbo Nacheli, Head of the Investigations III Unit at DG TRADE, and Bonifacio García Porras, Head of the Foreign Aid Unit at DG GROW. The day concluded with a dinner and discussion with Idoia Mendía, a Member of the European Parliament for the S&D Group, focusing on strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy through employment and talent.
The second day began with a Eurochambres event at the Committee of the Regions on business transfers, at which Susana Alejandro, from Saica, spoke as a panellist. The first edition concluded with a visit to the European Parliament and a lunch debate on the industrial revival of Spanish and European defence policy with Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, Member of the European Parliament for the European People’s Party, and a round-table discussion at the Berlaymont Building with Esther Nieto, Deputy Head of Unit for Latin America and the Caribbean at DG TRADE, and Thomas Juergensen, Senior Expert on the United States and Canada at DG TRADE, and Javier Duque, Policy Officer for the Far East at DG TRADE, on the EU’s trade relations with China, the United States and Latin America.
About the participating companies
Grupo Azvi is a Spanish multinational group specialising in infrastructure and services, with a presence in Europe, Latin America and the United States and a workforce of over 7,000. It was represented by its chairman, Manuel Contreras.
Grupo Oesía is a multinational technology group specialising in digital and industrial engineering for dual-use applications, operating in the fields of cybersecurity, defence, the aerospace sector and digital transformation, with a presence in 42 countries and over 4,000 employees. Emilio Varela, Corporate Director of Strategy and Corporate Development, attended the event.
Proeduca/UNIR is a multinational education group specialising in online higher education, comprising universities such as UNIR, UNIR Mexico and MIU City University Miami. It operates in over 90 countries and employs more than 7,000 staff. The group was represented by its president, Cristina Ruiz.
Saica is a multinational industrial group specialising in sustainable paper and packaging solutions and waste management, committed to the circular economy and innovation, with a presence in 11 countries and over 12,000 employees. Its chairwoman, Susana Alejandro, attended the event.
Vidrala is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of glass packaging for the food and drink industry, employing over 4,500 people. Galo Álvarez, Director of Sustainability, took part.
