The European Union's hydrogen ambitions are undergoing a reality check as recent forecasts indicate that hydrogen deployment is behind initial targets. Despite this setback, the situation presents an opportunity for reflection and learning valuable lessons for Europe and other regions. The key message is that hydrogen should be viewed as a tool rather than the end goal, with the ultimate success dependent on decarbonizing industries and transitioning to clean energy. While hydrogen plays a crucial role in Europe's decarbonization strategy, it is essential to understand its complexities and not overestimate its impact. The focus should be on areas where hydrogen can genuinely add value, especially in hard-to-abate sectors like heavy industrial processes and long-haul transportation. This targeted approach aligns with the need for evidence-based decision-making and strategic deployment of hydrogen to achieve ambitious decarbonization goals. Several European countries, such as Germany, Denmark, and Sweden, are prioritizing hydrogen deployment in industrial applications and energy storage while incorporating it strategically for specific decarbonization purposes. The shift towards targeted hydrogen applications is supported by demand-side drivers and incentives directed at making the most sense economically, socially, and environmentally. Lessons from England's experience with proposed hydrogen home heating trials underscore the importance of transparent and well-informed decision-making. Scientific evidence consistently favors solutions like electrification over hydrogen for sectors like home heating and passenger cars due to superior efficiency and cost-effectiveness. By learning from past mistakes and prioritizing evidence-based strategies, Europe is poised to secure a cleaner, safer, and more resilient future through strategic deployment of hydrogen alongside other efficient solutions.