Call to Action: Make Hydrogen a Priority in the Next EU Budget

Call to Action: Make Hydrogen a Priority in the Next EU Budget As the EU prepares its next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), it is crucial that hydrogen remains at the […] The post Call to Action: Make Hydrogen a Priority in the Next EU Budget appeared first on Hydrogen Central.

Mar 12, 2025 - 15:30

As the EU prepares its next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), it is crucial that hydrogen remains at the core of European strategic priorities—notably competitiveness, sustainability, and energy security. In conjunction with its Communication on ‘The Road to the next Multiannual Financial Framework‘ proposal, the Commission has initiated a public consultation

to gather insights on the next MFF from various stakeholders, including Member States governments, regional entities, and citizens.

We invite all Clean Hydrogen Partnership stakeholders to actively participate in the public consultation, making a strong case for continued and increased investment in hydrogen technologies and regional hydrogen ecosystems. By reinforcing hydrogen’s role in competitiveness, sustainability, and energy security, we can ensure that the next MFF fully supports the clean hydrogen transition—driving industrial leadership, job creation, and a decarbonized European economy.

The clean hydrogen sector is a cornerstone of Europe’s energy transition, and the forthcoming MFF will significantly influence the support allocated to hydrogen initiatives post-2027. It is crucial to ensure that the continuously needed hydrogen research and innovation to reduce costs and improve performance of existing and new such technologies will receive adequate financial support.
The consultation is divided into seven thematic clusters, out of which several ones might be of direct interest to Clean Hydrogen Partnership stakeholders, as follows:

The EU funding for competitiveness proposal is to establish a European Competitiveness Fund within the next MFF. This fund aims to streamline and consolidate existing programs, thus addressing concerns that current EU funding is dispersed across numerous overlapping initiatives with varying requirements. The proposed European Competitiveness Fund seeks to channel investments into strategic technologies throughout their development journey—from research and innovation to industrial deployment and manufacturing. By leveraging the EU budget to de-risk and mobilize private investments, the fund aspires to bolster Europe’s position in critical sectors, including clean energy and hydrogen technologies.
Transport is covered directly or indirectly in several of the open consultations. Of relevance are the ones on:
- “Implementing EU funding with Member States and regions”, referring to the “Trans-European Networks” and “Lack of connectivity in Member States and regions (e.g. transport, energy and digital)” and
- “EU funding for competitiveness” which refers to “Decarbonisation and environmental sustainability of strategic sectors” as well as “Digitalisation and diffusion of advanced technologies in key sectors”.
Hydrogen Valleys, local industrial or transport clusters where renewable hydrogen supply feeds local demand, are also covered in several of the open consultations (Competitiveness, Implementing EU funding with Member States and regions, EU funding for cross-border education, training and solidarity).

We encourage stakeholders to complete as many sections as possible, and include clear, evidence-based reasons in support of the continuation and reinforcement of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. Your input will ensure that hydrogen remains at the forefront of Europe’s energy strategy and that the industry continues to benefit from stable and robust financial support.

Participate in the consultation here: Shaping the Future of the EU Together. The consultation is open until 6 May 2025. The Commission will present its formal proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework in July 2025, with a view to securing a timely agreement before its implementation in January 2028.