Germany will host the international North Sea Summit for the first time on Jan. 26, bringing together European leaders, ministers and industry representatives to strengthen cooperation on offshore wind and hydrogen infrastructure.
The third edition of the summit will be held in Hamburg and is expected to include heads of state and government, energy ministers from 11 countries, the European Commission and more than 100 company representatives, according to briefing materials.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said closer collaboration in the North Sea region is essential for Europe’s energy security and strategic autonomy. Participants share the goal of “developing the North Sea into the largest reservoir of clean energy in the world,” Merz said.
The meeting will focus on improving coordination among North Sea countries to accelerate the expansion of offshore wind power and hydrogen networks, and to advance an efficient, interconnected energy system across the region.
The North Sea Summit was first held in Esbjerg, Denmark, in 2022 and most recently in Ostend, Belgium, in 2023. It was launched as part of efforts to reduce Europe’s reliance on fossil fuel imports following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Discussions in Hamburg will take place at the City Hall and the Chamber of Commerce. Outcomes are expected to be outlined in intergovernmental declarations, alongside anticipated cooperation agreements between governments and industry.
