Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) published in the timeframe from Monday, 26.01.2026 to Sunday, 01.02.2026. During this period, a total of 38 relevant PQs were processed, of which 27 have received a response from the European Commission, while 11 are still pending. Key themes include the resilience and security of energy infrastructure, the financing and regulatory frameworks for the green transition, the development of critical supply chains for renewables and sustainable transport, and the EU’s external energy partnerships and security of supply.
❗ Commission Defers to National Authorities on Portuguese Solar Farm
In response to a query regarding the environmental impact of the Sophia solar farm project in Portugal on protected species and Natura 2000 sites, the Commission clarified its position. In an answer on 30 January 2026 for PQ E-004618/2025, Commissioner Roswall stated that the Commission has not received specific information on the project’s impact and that primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Birds and Habitats Directives rests with the competent Portuguese authorities. The Commission noted that an environmental impact assessment is ongoing and that land use decisions fall within national competence, provided they respect EU requirements.
❗ Commission Outlines Measures to Lower Energy Prices and Boost Grid Investment
The Commission detailed its strategy to tackle high energy prices and bolster the European energy system in a reply to PQ E-004517/2025. Answering on 26 January 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen pointed to the 2024 electricity market design reform, which promotes long-term pricing tools and non-fossil flexibility. He highlighted that European energy storage investment is catching up with China and the US, and that the recently adopted Grids Package will enhance system efficiency. The Commission also proposed a significant increase in the Connecting Europe Facility for Energy, from EUR 5.84 billion to EUR 29.91 billion for 2028-2034, to support interconnection reinforcement.
❓ MEPs Challenge Commission on Delayed Grid Connection Rules
A cross-party group of MEPs including Andrea Wechsler (PPE), Christian Ehler (PPE), Jens Geier (S&D), and Anna Stürgkh (Renew) submitted PQ E-000240/2026 on 21 January 2026, questioning the Commission on the repeated postponement of the revision of the EU Connection Network Codes. The MEPs argue that the delay is inconsistent with the urgent objectives of the European Grids Package, which aims to integrate large-scale renewables. They warn that in the absence of updated EU-level rules, Member States are creating national interim solutions, risking system instability and internal market distortions. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission Details Climate and Environment Funding in Next MFF
Responding to PQ E-004460/2025, the Commission outlined its financial commitments to environmental and climate action in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034. In her answer of 29 January 2026, Commissioner Roswall confirmed an ambitious 35% spending target for climate and environment, aiming to mobilise over EUR 700 billion. She stated that the LIFE programme will continue to receive significant support, and that Member States will be required to allocate at least 43% of their national allocation under the National and Regional Partnership (NRP) Plans to actions contributing to these EU objectives.
❗ Commission Clarifies Stance on Fossil Fuel Companies’ Role in Renewables Investment
In a response on 26 January 2026 to PQ E-004440/2025, Commissioner Jørgensen addressed the EU’s strategy to boost renewable energy investment. While the Renewable Energy Directive sets a binding target of 42% by 2030, it does not specify who the investors should be. The Commission monitors and recommends the phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies but stated it is up to Member States to consider additional measures to incentivise fossil fuel companies to diversify their portfolios. The Commissioner also mentioned that the forthcoming Clean Energy Investment Strategy will aim to mobilise private capital for the energy transition by identifying and addressing investment barriers.
❗ Commission Defends Evaluation Criteria for STEP Seal Projects
The Commission addressed concerns about the evaluation process for projects awarded the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Seal. In an answer on 27 January 2026 to PQ E-004439/2025, Commissioner Hoekstra explained that the Gama project received the STEP Seal after being deemed to satisfy all Innovation Fund evaluation criteria based on documentation submitted by the promoter and assessed by independent experts. He clarified that the STEP Seal cannot be withdrawn unless the initial positive evaluation is revised to a negative assessment, and it ceases to be valid if the project does not start within five years.
❗ State Aid Approval for Swedish Strategic Electricity Reserve Explained
Executive Vice-President Ribera, in a reply on 29 January 2026 to PQ E-004809/2025, detailed the basis for approving Sweden’s strategic electricity reserve. The decision, made on 28 July 2025, found the State aid measure compatible with the internal market as it complies with Regulation 2019/943 on the internal market for electricity. This regulation requires Member States to determine a justified level of supply security based on a common methodology from the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), balancing the costs of new capacity against the value consumers place on avoiding power cuts.
❓ MEP Inquires About Financing Climate Adaptation Through Emitter Levies
Pascal Arimont (PPE) submitted PQ E-000245/2026 on 22 January 2026, asking if the Commission will explore using revenue from taxes on the super-rich, carbon-intensive investments, or fossil fuel profits to finance climate adaptation and the energy transition in the most vulnerable regions. The question also probes whether the Commission intends to strengthen the climate justice dimension in its policies by explicitly recognising the increased responsibility of economic elites and incorporating this into international climate negotiations. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission Reaffirms Commitment to CBAM Without Delay or Exclusions
In response to PQ E-004368/2025, Commissioner Hoekstra stated on 27 January 2026 that the Commission does not intend to delay, repeal, or exclude aluminium from the scope of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). He described CBAM as a key tool to protect against carbon leakage and ensure equivalent carbon pricing for imports and domestic products. The Commissioner also highlighted a de minimis threshold that exempts over 90% of importers while maintaining over 99% of emissions in scope, and noted that the Commission will propose measures to ensure sufficient availability of aluminium scrap in the EU by Q2 2026.
❗ Rules for Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin Clarified
Commissioner Hoekstra, on 26 January 2026, answered PQ E-004371/2025 concerning Delegated Regulation 2023/1185 on renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO). He confirmed that the requirements are essential to ensure genuine climate benefits and apply to all RFNBOs consumed in the EU, including those from third countries like the UK. The regulation includes a sunset clause limiting the use of fossil CO2 as a feedstock by 2041, ensuring compatibility with the 2050 climate neutrality objective. The carbon pricing criterion was deemed necessary to maintain environmental integrity and a level playing field for EU producers.
❗ Application of EU Deforestation Regulation Delayed
The Commission has confirmed a delay in the application of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). In a reply on 27 January 2026 to PQ E-003716/2025, Commissioner Roswall explained that after co-legislators agreed on a revised EUDR on 4 December 2025, the new date of entry into application will be 30 December 2026 for most companies, and 30 June 2027 for most micro- or small operators. The amendments also limit the obligation to submit due diligence statements to the first operator placing products on the market, easing the burden on downstream operators. The Commission’s impact assessment estimated compliance costs to be significantly lower than expected benefits, with limited impact on consumer prices.
❗ Commission Details Support Systems for EU Deforestation Regulation
In a related response on 27 January 2026 to PQ E-002072/2025, Commissioner Roswall clarified the operational support for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The EUDR Information System is operated by Commission services within the TRACES platform, and trainings are covered by a EUR 1.8 million support service contract started in July 2025. The Commissioner noted that the International Trade Center, a multilateral agency, implements small-scale projects relevant to EUDR, but the Commission has no contracts with NGOs to assist with implementation or training.
❗ Commission Commits to Legislative Simplification Without Lowering Environmental Goals
Responding to a question on simplifying Union legislation, Commissioner Roswall affirmed the Commission’s commitment in a reply to PQ E-004283/2025 on 27 January 2026. She stated that simplification and achieving policy objectives efficiently go hand-in-hand, in line with the Competitiveness Compass and longstanding Better Regulation policy. The focus for the current mandate is on reducing administrative burdens and simplifying implementation through less red tape and faster permitting, aiming for a leaner legal framework that is less costly to implement while respecting environmental objectives.
❗ Legal Framework for EU Sanctions on Information Manipulation Outlined
In a detailed reply published on 30 January 2026 to PQ E-003112/2025, the Commission explained the legal basis for EU restrictive measures. It noted that on 8 October 2024, the Council adopted a new framework targeting destabilising activities, including information manipulation and interference. However, disinformation is not a direct legal concept for listing individuals. Instead, specific criteria must be met, linking the person’s actions to policies of the Russian Federation that undermine or threaten democracy, the rule of law, or security in the EU or third countries. These criteria are assessed by the Council on a case-by-case basis.
❗ Commission Monitors Transboundary Water Management Between Greece and Bulgaria
Commissioner Roswall addressed the issue of transboundary water cooperation in a response to PQ E-004812/2025 on 27 January 2026. She noted that the Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires Member States to coordinate on international river basin management plans. While neither Bulgaria nor Greece has formally reported an unresolved issue to the Commission regarding the River Arda, the bilateral agreement was renewed on 2 May 2025. The Commission is currently assessing the third River Basin Management Plans from both countries and will consider the state of transboundary cooperation in its assessment.
❓ Concerns Raised Over Legal Certainty in Environmental Omnibus Package
MEP César Luena (S&D) submitted PQ E-000209/2026 on 20 January 2026, raising concerns about the use of omnibus packages for environmental legislation. The question highlights proposals that affect key instruments like environmental impact assessments and the Industrial Emissions Directive, as well as the announced revision of the Water Framework Directive. Luena asks how the Commission will prevent the weakening of environmental protections and ensure a rigorous impact assessment for the Water Framework Directive revision. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEP Asks Commission to Factor Income Inequality into Climate Policies
Citing a study on the disproportionate climate impact of the world’s wealthiest individuals, MEP Pascal Arimont (PPE) asked the Commission in PQ E-000247/2026, submitted on 22 January 2026, if it plans to explicitly include income and wealth inequalities in its assessment of climate responsibilities within the EU. The question also queries whether the Commission will adapt its emissions-monitoring tools to better distinguish contributions of different socio-economic groups, rather than relying solely on national averages. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Revision of Public Procurement Directive Sought to Prioritise Quality Over Price
In PQ E-000190/2026 submitted on 19 January 2026, MEP Maria Grapini (S&D) called for a revision of the Public Procurement Directive. She asks if the Commission considers it necessary to scrap the ‘lowest price’ criterion in favour of criteria related to quality, corporate sustainability, social standards, and the use of critical technologies. The question also seeks to know if the Directive will be amended to improve SME access and require stronger guarantees of contract performance. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEP Questions Fragmentation of Single Market for Services
Piotr Müller (ECR) submitted PQ E-000236/2026 on 21 January 2026, questioning the credibility of the Commission’s new Single Market Roadmap. He argues that the single market for services remains deeply fragmented due to persistent administrative and regulatory barriers in some Member States, which has undermined EU competitiveness. The MEP asks how the Commission intends to fight this fragmentation in practice and what specific enforcement mechanisms the new roadmap will contain. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission Confirms ReFuelEU Aviation is Boosting Biofuel Production
The Commission provided an update on the progress of the ReFuelEU Aviation (RFEUA) regulation in its response to PQ E-004253/2025. In his answer of 30 January 2026, Commissioner Tzitzikostas stated that the framework is successfully scaling up Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), with production expected to rise from virtually nothing in 2023 to around 1.4 million tons in 2025, well above the 2% target. He also mentioned the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan and the use of EU ETS allowances to help narrow the price gap between SAF and fossil kerosene, and a forthcoming study on aviation competitiveness.
❗ Commission Details RESourceEU Action Plan for Critical Raw Materials
In a reply to PQ E-004738/2025 on 28 January 2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné outlined the RESourceEU action plan, adopted on 3 December 2025, to secure access to critical raw materials (CRMs). The plan mobilises EUR 3 billion in EU funds for the next year to accelerate CRM projects across the value chain, including extraction, processing, and recycling. The Commission also announced it will review and revise the Water Framework Directive to promote circularity and access to CRMs while protecting the environment.
❗ Oil and Gas Firms Obligated to Invest in CO2 Injection Capacity
Responding to PQ P-004123/2025, Commissioner Hoekstra on 30 January 2026 defended the regulation requiring oil and gas companies to contribute to the EU’s 2030 CO2 injection capacity target. He explained that the rules create necessary demand for CO2 storage and present a revenue potential for these companies. The contribution level is based on oil and gas production in a reference period, as decided by the co-legislators. He noted that all storage sites must comply with Directive 2009/31/EC, ensuring environmental and human safety, and highlighted a particular need for storage capacity in the south-eastern region of the EU.
❗ Commission Addresses Regulatory Hurdles for Electric Vans
Executive Vice-President Séjourné, in a response on 29 January 2026 to PQ E-004564/2025, confirmed that the Commission has addressed regulatory obstacles for electric light commercial vehicles, which are heavier due to battery weight. The Automotive Omnibus adopted on 16 December 2025 proposes exempting electric vans up to 4.25 tonnes from requirements for speed limitation devices and tachographs. Additionally, the revised EU Driving Licence Directive will allow a category B licence to be valid for driving these heavier electric vans two years after it was first issued.
❗ Commission Monitoring Charging Interoperability for E-Bikes and LMTs
In her answer of 30 January 2026 to PQ E-004909/2025, Commissioner Roswall addressed the issue of charging interoperability for light means of transport (LMT), including electric bicycles. A 2024 study revealed a fragmented market but also emerging industry-led initiatives based on open international standards. The Commission believes it is premature to launch regulatory activities, such as mandating a single charging plug, but will continue to monitor market developments and may explore intervention in the next Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation Working Plan.
❗ Commission Stands Ready with Trade Defence Measures
Responding to concerns about unfair competition, Commissioner Šefčovič stated on 29 January 2026 that the Commission is fully committed to protecting EU industries. In his answer to PQ E-004876/2025, he noted that the EU currently has over 232 trade defence measures in place. The Commission can impose anti-dumping or anti-subsidy measures following an investigation, and any affected industry is invited to contact the Commission’s trade defence services to discuss their concerns.
❗ Final Decision on Glass Fibre Anti-Dumping Case Due by April 2026
In a reply to PQ E-004653/2025 on 28 January 2026, Commissioner Šefčovič addressed the ongoing anti-dumping investigation into glass fibre reinforcements from Bahrain, Egypt, and Thailand. He clarified that the decision not to impose provisional duties does not prejudge the final determination, which will be adopted by 15 April 2026 at the latest. The Commission is continuing to examine all submissions and is aware of the importance of the EU glass fibre industry for key value chains.
❓ MEPs Seek Clarity on Future of Advanced Biofuels
MEP Kosma Złotowski (ECR) submitted PQ E-000195/2026 on 19 January 2026, following a letter from the Commission President stressing the need to consider ‘advanced biofuels’. The question asks the Commission to define ‘advanced biofuels’, detail the raw materials used, and provide data on their current availability and share of the EU market. The MEP also requests the Commission’s projections for the market share of advanced biofuels in each Member State over the next five, 10, and 15 years. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEP Questions Financing Transparency of Critical Raw Materials Act
In PQ E-000116/2026, submitted on 13 January 2026, MEP Emma Fourreau (The Left) raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the financing of strategic projects under the Critical Raw Materials Act, such as the Nussir copper mine. She asks for an estimate of the annual EU funding for each project and questions whether the Commission intends to seek sustainable and less restrictive substitutes for copper, which she describes as a pollutant. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Commission Questioned on Rheinmetall’s Sale of Automotive Division
A group of MEPs from The Left group, including Pasquale Tridico, submitted PQ E-000241/2026 on 21 January 2026 regarding the German group Rheinmetall’s plan to sell its automotive division, which includes the Pierburg plant in Livorno, Italy. The MEPs express concern about the impact on jobs and the preservation of industrial expertise in sustainable mobility solutions. They ask if the Commission is aware of the plan, if it will verify compliance with workers’ rights regulations, and what tools it will use to prevent relocations that conflict with EU industrial policy. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission Stresses Support for Mediterranean Energy Security and Infrastructure
In a comprehensive response on 26 January 2026 to PQ E-004299/2025, Commissioner Jørgensen affirmed that energy security and the Mediterranean region are key priorities. He highlighted support for regional cooperation on interconnectivity through frameworks like Projects of Common Interest (PCI), noting the operational LNG terminals in Alexandroupolis and Revithoussa. The Commission also actively supports electricity interconnectivity, such as the Great Sea Interconnector. Protection of critical energy infrastructure against hybrid threats is covered by the Critical Entities Resilience Directive, and such projects are eligible for Cohesion Policy financing.
❗ Commission Details Efforts to Counter Hybrid Threats to Energy Infrastructure
Responding to concerns about airspace violations and hybrid threats, Commissioner Kubilius outlined the EU’s response framework in an answer to PQ P-004394/2025 on 29 January 2026. While primary responsibility rests with Member States, the Commission and EEAS provide support through legal frameworks like the Critical Entities Resilience Directive and the NIS 2 Directive. To counter drone incursions, the Commission has proposed a European Drone Defence Initiative and plans an Action Plan on drone security. The ProtectEU Strategy also addresses internal security threats, including hybrid threats.
❗ Commission Affirms Plan to Phase Out Russian Gas Imports
In a reply concerning the Nord Stream pipelines, published on 26 January 2026 for PQ E-004492/2025, Commissioner McGrath reiterated that the European arrest warrant is a purely judicial procedure beyond the Commission’s influence. More broadly, he noted that on 3 December 2025, a provisional agreement was reached on a regulation to phase out imports of Russian natural gas. This regulation is a central element of the REPowerEU roadmap to end dependency on Russian energy supplies.
❗ Global Gateway Investment Mobilisation Reaches €306 Billion
Commissioner Síkela provided an update on the Global Gateway strategy in a response on 26 January 2026 to PQ E-004110/2025. He confirmed that investment mobilisation has reached EUR 306 billion through coordinated action from the EU, Member States, the EIB, and the EBRD. EU funding is primarily drawn from the NDICI-Global Europe and Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance III instruments. The Commission uses a dedicated methodology and tracking system to avoid double reporting and ensure transparency, with a comprehensive public report available online.
❓ MEP Questions EU Relations with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Over Turkic States Membership
Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR) submitted PQ E-000279/2026 on 25 January 2026, highlighting the desire of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to deepen relations with the EU in areas like energy, raw materials, and the green transition. However, the MEP questions their participation in the Organization of Turkic States, which he characterizes as having an extreme ideology. He asks if the Commission believes that these countries moving away from this organization could lead to stronger cooperation with the EU. A response from the Commission is pending.
