Register now: IWO Policy Dialogue in Brussels

Questions relating to the European regulatory framework – such as the classification of green hydrogen (“Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin”), criteria for IPCEI projects, or the regulation of hydrogen networks – have a direct impact on investment decisions and regional development. This is particularly relevant for the eastern German federal states, which are significantly affected by structural transformation while simultaneously possessing outstanding potential in the field of renewable energy and hydrogen production. For these regions, it is crucial to engage at an early stage in European decision-making processes.

In this context, the Initiative for Hydrogen in Eastern Germany is organising a high-level event in Brussels. The aim is to bring both the perspectives of the region and concrete projects into the policy dialogue at EU level.

01 July 2026
10.00 – 15.00 (UTC +2)
L42 Business Center & Workspaces Brussels

Programme

Look forward to high-level insights and a panel discussion bringing together key stakeholders from politics and industry.
The event will focus on the development of hydrogen infrastructure in Eastern Germany and on the direct impact of the European regulatory framework on investments, infrastructure projects, and industrial value creation in the region.

The European Commission has been asked to hold a keynote speech on European hydrogen and infrastructure policy. This will be followed by short presentations by industry representatives from all six eastern German federal states, showcasing key hydrogen projects and highlighting the practical impact of the European regulatory framework on investments and infrastructure development.

In addition to these inputs, a high-level panel discussion will bring together representatives of the European Parliament, the European Commission as well as hydrogen industry representatives. The discussion will take place under the title “Hydrogen Investments – The Impact of EU Funding Programs and Regulatory Frameworks on the Eastern German Hydrogen Economy.” Particular attention will be given to the ongoing discussions on the EU energy policy framework and the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, as well as their implications for investment decisions in Eastern Germany.

• Opening
  Dominik Härle, Managing Director, Initiative for Hydrogen in Eastern Germany
  Moderator Jürgen Pfeiffer
• Welcome address
  Elisabeth Kaiser, Minister of State and Federal Government Commissioner for Eastern Germany – video message
  Thomas Wünsch, State Secretary, Ministry for Science, Energy, Climate Protection and the Environment of Saxony-Anhalt
  Dr. Felix Groba, Chair, Initiative for Hydrogen in Eastern Germany
• The IWO as platform of the eastern German federal states
  Dominik Härle, Managing Director, Initiative for Hydrogen in Eastern Germany
• Keynote
  Tudor Constantinescu, Principal Adviser to the Director General for Energy, European Commission
• Industry project pitches from the IWO eastern German federal states
  Berlin – GASAG AG
  Reinier Waters
  The Berlin hydrogen start grid – in three phases from large, to smaller consumers (in cooperation with: Berlin Energie und Wärme GmbH and NBB Netzgesellschaft Berlin Brandenburg)
  Brandenburg – ENERTRAG
  Erhan Erdoğan Groß 
  Green Fuels for Europe: Renewable Hydrogen and eSAF at Scale
  Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania – H2APEX
  Jill Thesen
  Lubmin as a hydrogen infrastructure node
  Saxony – ONTRAS
  Niels Krap
  ONTRAS H₂ starter network – from the idea to the realisation
  Saxony-Anhalt – VNG
  Cornelia Müller-Pagel
  Energy Park Bad Lauchstädt
  Thuringia – th2eco
  Dr. Katharina Großmann
  Thuringia hydrogen ecosystem
• Panel discussion
  Hydrogen investments – the impact of EU regulatory frameworks on the Eastern German hydrogen economy
  Thomas Wünsch, State Secretary, Ministry for Science, Energy, Climate Protection and the Environment of Saxony-Anhalt
  Hildegard Bentele, Member of the European Parliament
  Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, Chief Executive Officer, Hydrogen Europe
  Dominik Härle, Managing Director, Initiative for Hydrogen in Eastern Germany