As the global energy transition accelerates, the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and renewable hydrogen (ReH₂) certification schemes are emerging as foundational instruments to align trade with climate ambition. On March 25, 2025, the MED-GEM Network convened stakeholders from across the Mediterranean region for its second monthly info session—a high-resolution snapshot of how regulatory design, market incentives, and cross-border cooperation are reshaping the trade-energy-climate nexus.

Convened virtually and moderated by Toufic Rizkallah, MED-GEM Network coordinator, the session gathered National Focal Points, Country Correspondants and European Commission representatives from DG MENA, DG ENER and DG TAXUD, focused on three pillars: Helpdesk feedback from March, the implications of the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal for CBAM, and a strategic e-learning offer on hydrogen certification by the International PtX Hub.

As Toufic Rizkallah, MED-GEM Network Coordinator, emphasized in closing, regional collaboration is the cornerstone of success. While March saw participation from Morocco, Palestine, and Lebanon, broader involvement from other partner countries is essential. One participant suggested creating a shared repository of helpdesk Q&As. Rizkallah confirmed that MED-GEM is preparing a consolidated knowledge report, to be disseminated at the end of the semester – a promising step toward institutional learning.

The session offered a synthesis of regulatory detail and market foresight. What emerged was a vision of the Mediterranean as a co-architect—not merely a passive recipient—of Europe’s decarbonized trade framework. With CBAM and ReH₂ certification gaining granularity, now is the time for exporters, governments, and investors to master the rules of engagement.