As Europe accelerates its transition to a net-zero economy, strategic energy partnerships with the MENA region are becoming increasingly central to global decarbonisation efforts. This session will explore how the European Union is strengthening cooperation with the Gulf and wider MENA region on clean hydrogen, carbon capture, and low-carbon industrial value chains.

• EU’s strategic priorities for hydrogen and carbon management, highlighting policy alignment, cross-border investment frameworks, technology cooperation, and the role of international standards in enabling scalable, bankable projects. The session will also examine how EU–MENA collaboration can support industrial competitiveness, energy security, and climate objectives on both side while highlighting regulatory Frameworks and Certification that enable hydrogen trade.