Malta has secured the backing of EU Member States for the extension of a derogation that would allow its hydrogen-ready pipeline project to remain recognised as a Project of Common Interest (PCI) and continue to be eligible for potential EU funding.

EU Energy Ministers met on Friday in Luxembourg, where the Council of the European Union reached a General Approach on the revision of the Trans-European Networks for Energy Regulation.

The Council’s position will now proceed to trialogue negotiations with the European Commission and the European Parliament before the final text is adopted.

“This is an important step forward for Malta, reflecting our country’s geographic realities while remaining aligned with the Government’s long-term strategy to decarbonise the power sector by 2050. We have secured the Council’s support for the continued eligibility of the hydrogen-ready pipeline project for potential EU funding, thanks to the entire Maltese team who worked for this position. This keeps open Malta’s future access to the EU hydrogen backbone and the developing hydrogen market,” Minister Miriam Dalli said.