The European Union is focusing on including Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in its Clean Industrial Deal to prevent a slowdown in decarbonisation efforts. A roundtable in Brussels, under the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, highlighted the need for CEE's active role in the EU's climate and industrial agenda. Challenges in CEE, such as slow adoption of clean energy solutions and high energy costs, need to be addressed to ensure a successful transition. The region faces pressure from global competition and must align industrial, social, and financial transitions for effective decarbonisation. The roundtable emphasized the importance of carbon capture and storage (CCS) for hard-to-abate industries, noting infrastructure challenges and the need for regional cooperation. Clean hydrogen was highlighted as crucial for sector decarbonisation, with a focus on replacing unabated hydrogen generation. Government support and efficient subsidy allocation are vital for the success of these initiatives. The article also mentions the need for investment in research and development to bridge the innovation gap in CEE. Overall, the sentiment towards empowering CEE in Europe's clean industrial future is positive, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation and strategic priorities like CCS and clean hydrogen.