Twelve European hydrogen associations, led by France Hydrogène, have jointly addressed Ursula von der Leyen, urging the European Commission to prioritize EU producers in the upcoming €1.2 billion European Hydrogen Bank auction. The associations, representing countries like France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, commend the Commission's commitment to hydrogen development through electrolysis and the planned 2nd round of auctions. However, they advocate for a European priority in subsidizing projects involving electrolysers made within the EU. They stress the need to align with the Green Deal and the Net Zero Industry Act to drive decarbonization and reindustrialization simultaneously, fostering high social value and sustainable competitiveness. The associations propose pre-qualification criteria encompassing resilience, social aspects, cybersecurity, safety, and performance standards. France Hydrogène underlines the significance of demonstrating the compatibility of decarbonization and reindustrialization to enhance social value within the EU. The letter by the associations underscores the importance of leveraging gigafactories to tap into initial markets, achieve economies of scale, and establish sustainable competitiveness amidst global competition. The call for a European approach to hydrogen projects aims to create a robust framework that safeguards European interests and promotes innovation in the hydrogen sector. By prioritizing EU producers and emphasizing stringent criteria for project selection, the associations seek to pave the way for a greener, more competitive hydrogen landscape in Europe.