On 23 September 2025, the MED-GEM Network, funded by the European Union, successfully relaunched its ReH₂ Certification and CBAM Help desk through the kick-off meeting of Phase 2. Building on the strong engagement during the pilot phase earlier this year, the help desk continues to serve as a trusted platform for partner countries to access technical expertise and guidance on renewable hydrogen (ReH₂) certification and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

Key outcomes of the meeting

The session gathered more than 30 participants from across the Mediterranean region, European institutions, and partner organisations. It featured presentations from GIZ International Power-to-X Hub experts, MED-GEM’s leadership, and technical consultants, and provided:

• An overview of the help desk operations and refined objectives, activities, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs);
• Updates on EU policy and regulatory developments, including the new EU Hydrogen Bank auction, the adoption of the Low-Carbon Hydrogen Delegated Act, and the EU’s proposed 2040 climate target proposal;
• Detailed insights into the upcoming CBAM definitive period, methodology refinements, and opportunities for partner countries implementing carbon pricing mechanisms;
• Technical guidance on GHG emissions accounting for hydrogen and fertilizers, illustrated with practical calculation examples and case studies;
• An introduction to the carbon sources eligible for Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) certification, including biogenic, geological, and RFNBO-derived options.

A live survey allowed participants to share their priorities, helping shape the thematic focus for the help desk’s upcoming quarterly info sessions and the regional training workshop planned for December 2026.

Next steps

MED-GEM Network’s Phase 2 continues its structured monthly cycle for partner countries to submit questions, receive timely responses, and join dedicated meetings for complex issues. Comprehensive reports and info sessions will document progress and provide continuous capacity-building support.

Participants

The kick-off meeting brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from:

• EU institutions and delegations: DG MENA and Gulf, DG ENER, DG TAXUD, DG CLIMA, EU Delegation in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Ivory Coast.
• National agencies and research centres: CITET (Tunisia), ministries, National Focal Points, and country correspondents from Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia and other partner countries.
• International organisations and experts: GIZ (Lebanon, Belgium, Germany, Serbia), International PtX Hub, TÜV Rheinland, MED-GEM Key Experts and consultants.
• Observers and partners: academia and MED-GEM’s Industry Advisory Board from the Southern Mediterranean.

Looking ahead

The ReH₂ Certification and CBAM Help desk embodies the MED-GEM Network’s mission to facilitate knowledge exchange, strengthen regional cooperation, and ensure that Mediterranean partner countries are well-equipped to seize the opportunities of the green hydrogen economy. National Focal Points and country correspondents from partner countries are encouraged to submit their first round of questions between 6–10 October 2025.