From 25 to 27 May 2025, ten Dutch and German companies travelled to Brussels to deliver a clear message to the EU: accelerate the hydrogen transition – with clear European frameworks, space for decentralised solutions, and investments in infrastructure that enable border regions like East Netherlands and North Rhine-Westphalia to scale up.The companies participating in the mission were:<ul><li>2G Energy AG</li><li>Firan</li><li>H2 Powercell GmbH</li><li>Hydrogen Architects</li><li>Hydronex</li><li>Thyssengas GmbH</li><li>VoltH2</li><li>ZINQ GmbH &amp; Co. KG</li><li>EcoStream Maroc</li><li>Demo</li></ul>Together, they represent the full hydrogen value chain – from technology and system solutions to applications and circular processes. Their joint message: reduce bureaucracy, increase planning certainty, and create a European framework that stimulates investment – especially for SMEs and energy-intensive industries in cross-border regions.“If we are serious about building a joint European hydrogen infrastructure, we must overcome national borders in planning and financing,” said Lars Baumgürtel, President of IHK Nord Westfalen. “The economy in the German-Dutch border region is ready for the hydrogen ramp-up – but we now need the right incentives and a suitable European regulatory framework to make it happen,” added Isabelle Bahlo of Thyssengas GmbH. “The emergence of various hydrogen hotspots in Germany and the Netherlands can be brought together into an integrated cluster through TECH.LAND,” noted Sebastian Niehoff, CEO of H2 Powercell GmbH.<h2>A region as driver of cooperation</h2>The mission was organised by TECH.LAND, a joint initiative of Oost NL, IHK Nord Westfalen, and Twente Board, with support from Province of Overijssel, WiN Emscher-Lippe GmbH, and Achterhoek Ambassadeurs. The companies engaged in discussions with representatives of DG GROW, DG ENER, DG REGIO, Hydrogen Europe, and the Benelux Secretariat.“In Europe, our task is to collaborate. TECH.LAND clearly demonstrates how vital it is to work together across borders and along the entire value chain,” emphasised Kerstin Jorna, Director-General of DG GROW.The mission raised visibility, strengthened the regional network in Brussels, and reinforced the commitment of regions to jointly deliver sustainable solutions. As Hans Brouwers, Programme Manager of TECH.LAND, concluded:“We achieved our goal: raising visibility for our cross-border technology and hydrogen activities in Brussels, sending clear political signals, and deepening our collaboration. We are also hoping for future support from the EU.”Want to learn more about TECH.LAND and this mission? Visit <a href="www.techland.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">www.techland.org</a>

The regions of East Netherlands and North Rhine-Westphalia call for accelerated European hydrogen transition in Brussels