The Council of the EU has approved an amendment to Germany's recovery and resilience plan, updating milestones and targets for green investments under two components focused on decarbonisation and climate-friendly mobility. The decision, adopted on 25 June 2026, sets specific deadlines for Germany to meet investment and deployment targets in hydrogen, industry decarbonisation, and electric vehicle infrastructure to receive EU recovery funds.
The amendment covers Component 1.1 (decarbonisation via renewable hydrogen) and Component 1.2 (climate-friendly mobility). Under Component 1.1, Germany must commit EUR 1,411,722,000 to hydrogen IPCEIs by the second quarter of 2026, achieve 200 MW of electrolysis capacity by the same period, disburse EUR 55 million for industry decarbonisation, and EUR 300 million for efficient heat networks. Key investments include pilot Carbon Contracts for Difference, which were to start by 31 December 2021 and be completed by 31 August 2026, as well as hydrogen flagship projects and climate research. For Component 1.2, targets include installing 2,500 publicly accessible recharging points by the third quarter of 2025, 689,000 recharging points in residential buildings by the fourth quarter of 2023, and supporting 560,000 electric vehicle purchases by the fourth quarter of 2022. The plan also requires 4,000 e-vehicles in municipal and commercial fleets by the second quarter of 2024. All measures must comply with the 'do no significant harm' principle under Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, with only projects having emissions substantially below ETS benchmarks eligible for support under industry decarbonisation measures.
The amendment updates the original Council Implementing Decision of 13 July 2021, which approved the initial assessment of Germany's recovery and resilience plan. The revised plan reflects Germany's progress and adjustments in implementing its green transition, with the Council formally endorsing the updated milestones and targets. The decision impacts German federal and state authorities responsible for disbursing funds, as well as companies in the hydrogen, industry, and clean mobility sectors that must meet the specified targets to access EU recovery financing. The European Commission will monitor compliance with the milestones before releasing further payments under the Recovery and Resilience Facility.