Europe’s outlook on hydrogen has remained neutral since October 2025, but sentiment turned more positive in March.

The shift coincided with major European policy decisions, including the EU’s rejection of calls to exempt fertilisers from its carbon border levies, and the European Commission’s Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) proposal.

The index showed a swing from a balanced picture in December 2025 to stronger confidence in March, with 58% of European respondents saying they are confident in the growth and commercial viability prospects of the hydrogen value chain.

Those expressing concern accounted for less than a quarter (23%) of European respondents.

Conducted on 4 March, the poll came one day after the EU confirmed fertilisers would remain subject to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and on the same day the IAA proposal was released.

Both policies are seen as potential demand drivers for clean hydrogen, particularly in fertiliser and heavy industry.

In February, less than half (46%) expressed confidence, while more than a third (35%) were concerned, reflecting uncertainty over how Brussels would respond to pressure on CBAM.

Sentiment in other regions remained largely neutral after concern peaked in December 2025.

H2 View will publish its full Q1 hydrogen confidence insights in an upcoming report.