On 2 and 4 June 2026, the EASTGATEH2V consortium gathered in Košice for its second in-person consortium meeting. Hosted by the Košice Self-Governing Region (KSK), the project coordinator, the meeting brought together partners from seven countries to review the progress achieved during the first year of the project and define priorities for the next phase.
The meeting provided an important opportunity to reconnect after months of online collaboration. Partners discussed the progress made across the project’s work packages and aligned activities that will support the development of the EASTGATEH2V Hydrogen Valley in the coming months.
During the first year, the consortium focused on building the foundations of the project. Activities included technical planning, safety preparation, stakeholder engagement, communication and dissemination, as well as coordination between partners to ensure a shared vision for the future hydrogen ecosystem in the Košice region.
Looking ahead, the consortium agreed on key priorities for the next phase of the project, including:
- Preparing the Hydrogen Valley for deployment;
- Advancing hydrogen infrastructure and end-use applications;
- Assessing the project’s socio-economic and environmental impacts;
- Strengthening cooperation across the European hydrogen ecosystem;
- Exchanging knowledge and best practices with other Hydrogen Valley initiatives.
Beyond the formal agenda, the meeting also offered valuable opportunities for networking and strengthening relationships among consortium partners. Discussions continued in an informal setting at Hostinec Pivovar, one of the oldest restaurants in Slovakia, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that underpins the project.
Several EASTGATEH2V partners also took part in the H2SK Forum 2026, contributing to expert discussions on the future of hydrogen technologies and sharing experiences with stakeholders from across Europe.
As EASTGATEH2V enters its second year, the project is moving from planning towards implementation. The consortium remains committed to building an integrated hydrogen ecosystem that supports innovation, regional development and the clean energy transition in Central and Eastern Europe.
