EU President Vows to Uphold Green Deal Amid Political Shift
Key Ideas
- Ursula von der Leyen secures a second term as European Commission President, emphasizing commitment to the EU's Green Deal strategy for hydrogen and clean energy.
- European Commission President pledges to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen infrastructure and enhance mechanisms for hydrogen purchase in Europe.
- Despite criticism from the European Court of Auditors, the EU defends its hydrogen targets and investments in clean technologies, surpassing the US and China in attracting clean hydrogen investments.
Ursula von der Leyen has been re-elected as the European Commission President and has reaffirmed the EU's dedication to the Green Deal strategy, which includes a strong focus on hydrogen and clean energy. Von der Leyen expressed confidence in Europe's progress, citing a significant increase in investments in clean hydrogen compared to the US and China combined. She highlighted the importance of staying committed to the 2030 and 2050 environmental goals, emphasizing the need for investment and pace in her second term. The President outlined plans to expedite the deployment of a hydrogen pipeline network across Europe and enhance mechanisms to boost hydrogen demand. However, the European Court of Auditors recently criticized the EU for not being on track to achieve its hydrogen production and import targets, stating that the Commission lacked thorough analyses before setting these ambitious goals. Despite this, the EU has defended its targets, backed by significant funding commitments. Trade body Hydrogen Europe supported the EU's stance. The article showcases the EU's push towards sustainable energy solutions, with a particular emphasis on hydrogen, amidst evolving political landscapes.