II. Stability and Rule of Law This pillar tackles the political, legal, and institutional stability of the country or region and the strength and predictability of its legal and regulatory systems. It focuses on whether a country or region has a stable political environment and a reliable legal framework that can support the long-term development of hydrogen technologies, investments, and markets. Outlined below are the results of our risk assessment on stability and rule of law: Risk Impact Mitigation Political instability. Probability Impact Period of Influence Long-term • Political instability significantly impacts hydrogen project implementation and EU export potential. • Frequent policy changes or hold-on(s) due to unstable political situations hinder consistent long-term regulations. • Shifting priorities from donors may reduce or redirect the financial support mechanisms. • Build an effective risk and crisis management framework to incorporate contingency measures within national strategies and policies. • Enhance local investment and reduce dependence on donor support by strengthening public-private partnerships (PPPs). Disparities in business models and studies outputs. Probability Impact Period of Influence Mid-term Impacted government decision­making on suitable regulatory approaches due to vague technical requirements and limitations. • Immediately form a community of practitioners for all involved consultancy organizations to integrate their studies and research outputs in a common framework. Ambiguity of government regulations. Probability Impact Period of Influence Short-term Referencing many sets of regulations from different organizations may damage investor confidence and lead to delays to project implementation. • Develop a unified regulatory framework that is tailored to hydrogen projects, thereby guaranteeing consistency among all stakeholders. • Regulate adequate grievance mechanisms customized to hydrogen projects. • Develop a digital platform that will centralize and simplify all regulatory references for hydrogen activities. III. Transparency and Participation This pillar is associated with the openness, clarity, and inclusivity of decision-making processes related to hydrogen initiatives. It addresses whether stakeholders—such as investors, local communities, governments, and civil society—are adequately informed and involved in decisions that affect the development, regulation, and trade of hydrogen. 40