On 4 September 2025, the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) held a topical debate on hydrogen, with the participation of European Commission representative Mechthild Wörsdörfer. The discussion focused on the current realities of hydrogen development, the costs involved, potential use-cases and the regulatory environment required to support its growth.

In her intervention, Wörsdörfer underlined the key role hydrogen will play in certain industrial sectors and stressed the importance of scaling up the hydrogen market. She highlighted the need to build a robust regulatory framework, stimulate demand and expand transport links, pointing to progress already made through hydrogen corridors in Europe. She also recalled the adoption of the Hydrogen and Gas Decarbonisation Package, which Member States are now implementing.

The debate also touched on the legal framework for low-carbon fuels. Wörsdörfer noted that after intense discussions, the Commission adopted rules on 8 July introducing a comprehensive greenhouse gas emission methodology for low-carbon hydrogen and fuels, with the aim of providing certainty and predictability for the market without overregulation. She stressed that alongside security of supply, competitiveness of European industries must remain a central consideration.

An analysis of the Commission’s delegated regulation specifying the methodology for assessing greenhouse gas emissions savings from low-carbon fuels was also presented to ITRE Members. This framework is expected to ensure that hydrogen production contributes effectively to the EU’s broader climate and energy goals.