The European Commission has launched a call for evidence and targeted stakeholder consultation on hydrogen in the EU.

Aimed at gathering input from stakeholders and the broader public on the scope and content of a new hydrogen strategy which reflects market and geopolitical realities, the initiative is a response to the slower than expected growth in the production and use of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen in the EU along with limited operational capacity and challenges in bringing projects to sufficient maturity. This is despite the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory framework for European hydrogen in 2020.

The updated strategy will focus on hydrogen’s role in strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and energy security, while contributing to climate neutrality goals. Particular attention will be paid to hard-to-electrify sectors where hydrogen adds the most value.

Target audiences for the consultation include public authorities (Member States and EEA countries, regional and local authorities), National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs), and producers and consumers of hydrogen and its derivatives in industrial processes, agriculture, aviation and maritime transport. Feedback is also sought from infrastructure operators, technology providers, renewable energy project promoters, energy producers, industry associations, financial institutions, environmental non-governmental organisations, academia, and research and innovation organisations.

Overall, the goal of the consultation is “to gather factual information, knowledge and perception about current issues and potential ways to address the barriers to the uptake of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen derivatives.”

The new hydrogen strategy will be developed in parallel with the renewable energy framework for the period to 2040. This is to ensure that renewables contribute to the achievement of the 2040 EU Climate target while addressing geopolitical pressure to reduce EU dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Interested stakeholders, citizens and organisations are invited to provide input to the call for evidence and targeted stakeholder consultation by 23 November 2026.