The revision of the Directive governing the European Union Emissions Trading System (ETS), published by the European Commission in July 2026, has reignited the debate on the future of European climate policy in a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.

While industrial stakeholders have largely called for the current ETS architecture to be maintained, the revision focuses primarily on technical adjustments aimed at strengthening European industrial competitiveness while accelerating decarbonisation. The central challenge remains finding the right balance between climate ambition and industrial viability.

The level of ambition, the rules governing free allowances and perceptions of the carbon price will play a decisive role in shaping investment conditions for low-carbon technologies, and therefore in determining Europe’s ability to continue its decarbonisation while preserving its industrial leadership.

Against this backdrop, this H2 Talk will bring together representatives from the European institutions, Member States and industry to discuss the implications of the ETS revision for the hydrogen sector and hard-to-abate sectors, and to consider how the system can support the transition towards a competitive and climate-neutral economy.

This event is organised by Hydrogen Europe. The Jacques Delors Institute is sharing this event for information purposes only.