Episode #05: Regulation, Resilience & the Geopolitics of Supply Chains with Nils Poel

“If China cuts us off from critical materials, European supply chains have a real problem.”In this episode of Supply Chain Superintelligence, Marco Felsberger speaks with Nils Poel, Head of Public Affairs at Prewave, about how geopolitics is redefining regulation, trade policy, and supply chain strategy in Europe and beyond.From the “Donroe Doctrine” and spheres of influence to the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act, Nils explains why regulation is expanding beyond questions about sustainability and compliance into economic security and strategic autonomy.They explore how US industrial policy and trade pressure affect European supply chains and how public procurement is emerging as a powerful lever for resilience. The conversation also examines the limits of WTO rules, the role of defence spending, and why companies can no longer assume geopolitical alignment between major powers.Most importantly, they discuss what this means for businesses: why supply chain visibility is now a strategic capability, how resilience and sustainability overlap, and why unpredictability in policymaking requires stronger internal governance and faster reaction structures.Key insightsRegulation is shifting from sustainability-driven to security-drivenSupply chains are increasingly shaped by geopolitical power dynamicsEconomic security is redefining EU trade and industrial policyPublic procurement and resilience criteria are becoming strategic toolsCompanies must strengthen supply chain visibility to manage structural uncertaintyAbout Nils PoelNils Poel is Head of Public Affairs at Prewave. He specialises in EU regulation, trade policy, sustainability legislation, and the geopolitical forces shaping global supply chains. With deep experience in European policymaking and industry representation, he provides strategic insight into how regulatory shifts translate into operational impact for companies.About Marco FelsbergerMarco Felsberger, Senior Advisor for Supply Chain Resilience at Prewave, is a risk and resilience specialist with over 15 years of experience helping organisations strengthen business continuity, crisis response, and supply chain security. He brings a sharp, systems-focused approach to navigating geopolitical risk and building resilient supply chains.Resources & LinksVisit Prewave: https://www.prewave.com/Don’t Miss OutFollow the Supply Chain Superintelligence podcast for more expert conversations on regulation, resilience, and the geopolitical forces reshaping global supply chains.