    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [June 25, 2003]
    [Page 693]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and European Council
    President Konstandinos Simitis and
    European Commission President Romano Prodi on
    Hydrogen Cooperation
    June 25, 2003

        We affirm our commitment, on behalf of the United States and the
    European Union, to collaborate on accelerating the development of the
    hydrogen economy as part of our broadening cooperation on energy. We aim
    to enhance the security of energy supply, increase diversity of energy
    sources, and improve local and global environmental quality. Our
    cooperation will lay the technical, legal, and commercial basis needed
    to accelerate the commercial penetration and trade of emissions-free
    hydrogen technology worldwide, in cars, buildings and power generation,
    to secure to our citizens and our posterity the abundant, secure, and
    clean energy required to sustain growth, ensure security, and protect
    the environment.
        In this context we see the potential of the hydrogen economy in
    establishing a secure energy supply through clean and environmentally
    sound systems. We will seek to build on complementarities in our
    research efforts in exploring actively all technology options, including
    a major focus on renewable energy sources, for boosting the development
    of hydrogen energy.
        We agree to:

         further the goals of sustained economic growth;
         strengthen our cooperation to work for universally
                compatible codes, standards, and regulations;
         strengthen our cooperation on research and development; and
         work together to foster public-private collaboration.

        This effort will enable us to leverage resources; bring to bear the
    expertise of the public and private sector to solve the complex
    challenges surrounding the hydrogen economy; establish sound,
    universally compatible codes, standards, and regulations for hydrogen
    fuel utilization; and provide a strong and broad foundation for the
    International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy and other
    partnerships in support of the hydrogen economy.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.