MAIA Policy Workshop report “Shaping Europe’s Sustainable Energy Future with Hydrogen”

This interactive workshop explored the role of hydrogen in decarbonization and shared the Greek experience of working towards a sustainable hydrogen economy.
Hydrogen symbol on background of wavy lines
Image courtesy of akitada31

On April 29, 2025, we hosted our 4th policy workshop at the Athens University of Economics and Business, convening policymakers, researchers, industry leaders and civil society to discuss hydrogen’s pivotal role in Europe’s energy transition.

The event, part of a larger Hydrogen Conference, fostered dynamic dialogue and collaborative solution-building to accelerate a resilient, decarbonised European energy system.

Key takeaways

  • Major delays and inconsistencies in national and EU regulations threaten hydrogen’s development-harmonized policy frameworks and clear safety standards are urgently needed.
  • Infrastructure and technology gaps, including production, storage and distribution, remain central barriers to scaling hydrogen solutions.
  • High costs and uncertain returns deter investment in green hydrogen, especially for SMEs-targeted public support and blended finance are essential to de-risk early investments.
  • Low public awareness and acceptance of hydrogen and renewable infrastructure are significant hurdles; engaging citizens and policymakers is crucial for societal support.
  • Effective hydrogen integration requires coordinated action among EU institutions, governments, industry, NGOs, and academia, with universities bridging knowledge gaps.

The workshop concluded with the shared vision of a fully decarbonised economy powered by 500 GW of hydrogen capacity and a fully integrated European Hydrogen Market.

Download the full event report for further insights and stakeholder perspectives on the roadmap for Europe’s hydrogen-powered future.

Access the event announcement.

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