Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean: The potential for hydrogen partnership

Low-carbon hydrogen has emerged as an important component of EU decarbonisation plans. It also adds a new element to the EU's external energy policy, given that a substantial share of Europe's future hydrogen requirements will need to be met with imports. In this context, the Eastern Mediterranean region stands out as a potential supplier of low-carbon hydrogen for Europe owing to its proximity and its large renewable energy potential. Energy cooperation in this region has focused on natural gas development in recent years but synergies could be possible if this cooperation extended to hydrogen development - both for exports and domestic decarbonisation.