As the European Union forms its new parliament following recent elections that saw significant gains for right-wing parties, Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, CEO of Hydrogen Europe, has called upon European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to implement a comprehensive hydrogen agenda to support the EU’s Green Deal, which aims to make the EU climate-neutral by 2050.
The Role of Hydrogen and Need for Swift Action
Chatzimarkakis emphasizes that hydrogen can provide flexibility to renewables and help decarbonize the European economy. However, he warns that swift action is needed to meet the EU’s 2030 climate goals, suggesting that the EU needs a focused hydrogen implementation agenda with a clear budget, timeline, and map of institutional and industrial partners.
Public Investments and Policy Adjustments
The Hydrogen Europe CEO argues that public investments should assist European industry in de-risking decarbonization investments while ensuring global competitiveness. He recommends several institutional and policy adjustments over the next five years:
- Appoint an Executive Vice-President in charge of clean industry
- Establish a permanent coordination platform between policy area heads
- Expand the European Hydrogen Bank’s budget and scope
- Develop infrastructure, including storage, refueling networks, and pipelines
- Phase out fossil fuel subsidies and redirect funds towards decarbonization projects
Balancing Climate Action and Economic Growth
With Ursula von der Leyen expected to secure re-election as Commission President, Chatzimarkakis believes that bold long-term vision and swift short-term measures are necessary to advance a Green Deal that balances global competitiveness, secures affordable clean energy, and accelerates climate action.
The Hydrogen Europe CEO’s call for action comes at a critical time for the EU, as the new parliament takes shape and the bloc seeks to maintain its position as a global leader in the fight against climate change while promoting economic growth.
