Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published in the week of Monday, 23 February 2026, to Sunday, 1 March 2026. The period saw a significant focus on the competitiveness of European industry, the functioning of energy markets, and the governance of EU funds and climate policies. Key themes include the challenges facing the chemical and steel sectors, the design of the electricity market, the impact of carbon pricing mechanisms like the ETS and CBAM, and the security of energy infrastructure and supply chains. In total, this report analyses 29 Parliamentary Questions, of which 9 have received a response from the Commission and 20 are pending an answer.
❓ Priority for nuclear power over offshore wind
In P-000741/2026, submitted on 23 February 2026, Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE) criticizes the Commission’s focus on offshore wind, highlighting its alleged environmental damage to marine biodiversity and questionable carbon footprint. The question contrasts this with nuclear energy, described as carbon-neutral and controllable, and asks the Commission to justify its investment strategy and whether it will adjust its course to prioritise nuclear for strategic autonomy. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Ensuring electricity supply continuity after storms in Portugal
Catarina Martins (The Left) submitted E-000659/2026 on 16 February 2026, concerning widespread power cuts in Portugal lasting over 17 days following Storm Kristin. The question asks if such a prolonged outage complies with the service continuity requirements of Directive (EU) 2019/944, whether network operators should have mobilized all resources for urgent restoration, and if the Commission will seek clarification from Portuguese authorities. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Scrutiny on proposed 25% congestion-income rule for EU grid projects
In E-000613/2026, submitted on 11 February 2026, Beatrice Timgren (ECR) questions the Commission’s proposal to require transmission system operators to earmark 25% of congestion income for EU-listed grid projects. The MEP asks for the economic analysis behind the uniform rate, its potential impact on consumers in Member States with high internal congestion like Sweden, and for a quantification of the expected income to be ring-fenced per country. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Impact of new EU Ports Strategy on northern Germany
David McAllister (PPE) asked in E-000595/2026 on 11 February 2026 how the Commission’s upcoming comprehensive port strategy will impact northern Germany. The question seeks details on measures to ensure the region’s ports benefit from EU support for the energy transition, how the strategy will account for the area’s role as a key transport intersection, and what policies will be included to support employment and skills in the port and logistics sectors. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission outlines EU’s multi-layered cybersecurity framework
In a response on 23 February 2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen detailed the EU’s approach to cybersecurity crisis management and critical infrastructure resilience in the answer to E-004978/2025. The Commission highlighted the Council Recommendation for an EU blueprint on cybersecurity crisis management, which enhances information sharing and coordination. Key legislative pillars mentioned include the NIS 2 Directive, the Cyber Solidarity Act, and the revised Cybersecurity Act, which collectively strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure, improve threat detection, and simplify compliance for businesses, supported by research and deployment funding from Horizon Europe and Digital Europe programmes.
❓ Questioning the EU’s electricity market merit order
Jordan Bardella (PfE) submitted E-000671/2026 on 17 February 2026, questioning the EU’s ‘merit order’ electricity market mechanism. Citing a recent EDF report, the MEP argues that prioritising intermittent renewables over dispatchable sources like nuclear can destabilise the grid. The question asks if the Commission can confirm that a Member State may be authorised to adapt competition rules and energy objectives to safeguard its energy sovereignty and nuclear fleet. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission affirms principles of EU electricity market
In a response to P-004668/2025 published on 26 February 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen reiterated the core principles of the EU’s internal electricity market. While EU law is neutral on national property ownership systems, the Commission stressed that national legislation must align with internal market and competition rules. The response confirmed that Member States must ensure a level playing field for all electricity undertakings, provide non-discriminatory market access, and that prices must be formed based on actual supply and demand, with wholesale price regulation being prohibited. Retail price interventions are only permitted under strict conditions to protect vulnerable customers.
❗ EU’s three-pronged strategy to tackle rising consumer prices
Responding to E-004742/2025 on 26 February 2026, Commissioner Dombrovskis outlined the EU’s three-legged approach to addressing the significant rise in consumer prices. The strategy includes providing temporary support, such as measures to reduce household energy bills; introducing structural measures like REPowerEU and the Affordable Energy Action Plan to lower prices sustainably; and promoting social dialogue and wage developments to help recover household purchasing power. The Commission stated it will continue to monitor the issue closely.
❓ Call to remove barriers for decarbonising social housing
Mélanie Disdier (PfE) asked in E-000707/2026 on 19 February 2026 how the Commission plans to address regulatory and financial barriers hindering the decarbonisation of social housing. The question highlights that the current tax framework does not differentiate between fossil gas and decarbonised alternatives like biomethane, creating no price incentive for the transition. The MEP asks if the Commission would allow Member States to introduce differentiated taxation for decarbonised gas without it being challenged under state aid or competition rules. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Commission urged to suspend ETS amid rising allowance prices
In E-000604/2026, submitted on 11 February 2026, Stanisław Tyszka (ESN) raised concerns about CO2 emission allowance prices under the EU ETS exceeding EUR 90 per tonne and their impact on Polish households and industry. The question calls on the Commission to take immediate action to suspend the ETS, criticises the market stabilisation mechanism as dysfunctional, and asks if the Commission will refrain from extending the system to transport and buildings (ETS2) in Poland due to social costs. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission confirms talks on German national carbon pricing scheme
In a response to E-005000/2025 on 26 February 2026, Executive Vice-President Ribera confirmed that the Commission is in ‘close and constructive contacts’ with German authorities regarding an extension of a compensation scheme under Germany’s national Fuel Emissions Trading Regulation (BECV). The Commission clarified that since the BECV is a national system and not part of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), it could not be included in the amendment of the ETS State aid guidelines.
❓ Concerns over CBAM’s impact on SMEs and EU competitiveness
Galato Alexandraki (ECR) submitted E-000722/2026 on 20 February 2026, arguing that the transitional phase of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is already placing a heavy administrative and financial burden on EU SMEs and producers. The question suggests the policy risks de-industrialisation and asks how the Commission assesses CBAM’s impact on SME viability, whether it will review the framework to maintain competitiveness, and what measures it will take to protect producers disproportionately affected by compliance costs. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Commission questioned on asymmetric macroeconomic analysis
In P-000734/2026, dated 23 February 2026, Rasmus Andresen (Verts/ALE) questions the Commission’s decision to include a detailed macroeconomic simulation on the growth effects of defence spending in the European Macroeconomic Report 2026, while not providing comparable analyses for other EU priorities like the green transition. The MEP asks for the methodological basis for this decision and whether the Commission will commit to publishing similar studies for other priority areas and broaden its analytical framework beyond GDP effects. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission outlines robust anti-fraud safeguards for RRF funds
Responding to E-004777/2025 on 26 February 2026, Commissioner Dombrovskis affirmed the Commission’s commitment to fighting fraud involving Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) funds. The answer detailed a multi-layered safeguard system: first, Member States are required to have effective internal controls; second, the Commission monitors compliance through checks and audits and can recover funds; and third, alleged cases are referred to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and, if necessary, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO).
❓ Allegations of misuse of EU funds in Spain
Jorge Buxadé Villalba and Hermann Tertsch (PfE) submitted E-000731/2026 on 20 February 2026, raising concerns about the possible misuse of European recovery funds by the Spanish Government for fraudulent recruitment practices. Citing a newspaper report, the question asks the Commission to identify the specific project involved, detail any actions taken to investigate and recover funds, and state whether it is considering a general audit of the Spanish Government’s management of these funds. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Call for ambitious and binding future climate resilience law
Citing a report from the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change, César Luena (S&D) asked in E-000672/2026 on 17 February 2026 how the Commission will ensure the upcoming climate resilience law is ambitious. The question presses for the law to include clear obligations and robust implementation mechanisms rather than non-binding guidance, and asks how the scientific recommendations for a coherent, science-based framework and the central role of nature-based solutions will be integrated. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission outlines approach to post-2030 climate targets
In its answer to E-004985/2025 on 23 February 2026, the Commission, via Commissioner Hoekstra, stated that its proposal for the 2040 climate target is based on a detailed impact assessment. The response clarified that the target is Union-wide and all Member States must contribute. Following the setting of the target, the Commission will reflect on the design of national targets and efforts after 2030, considering elements like cost-efficiency, solidarity, and different national circumstances. The answer also noted that EU enlargement countries must align with the climate acquis before accession.
❓ ‘Do No Significant Harm’ principle under scrutiny in Greek islands
Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D) submitted E-000584/2026 on 11 February 2026, questioning the application of the ‘do no significant harm’ (DNSH) principle for EU-funded investments in Greek island regions. The MEP points to large-scale tourism and renewable energy projects that allegedly exceed the islands’ carrying capacity, strain water resources, and degrade biodiversity. The question asks how the Commission ensures effective DNSH application and whether it will strengthen monitoring of the insularity principle. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ EU position sought on US-led critical minerals initiative
In E-000643/2026, submitted on 13 February 2026 by Beatrice Timgren, Dick Erixon, and Charlie Weimers (ECR), MEPs ask for the Commission’s assessment of the new US-led Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE). The question seeks the Commission’s view on the initiative’s relevance for addressing EU supply vulnerabilities identified by the European Court of Auditors and the potential effect of EU participation on its ability to secure critical raw materials for its energy, industrial, and defence objectives. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission defends governance of Joint Undertakings in strategic sectors
Responding to E-004976/2025 from Mathilde Androuët (PfE) concerning poor governance of EU joint undertakings (JUs), Commissioner Zaharieva on 24 February 2026 defended their role in aligning research and innovation investments. The answer highlighted the JUs’ success in advancing EU leadership in semiconductors and clean hydrogen. It acknowledged low operational budget implementation in some JUs in 2024 due to specific delays and stated that the Commission is closely monitoring past observations from the European Court of Auditors to ensure their implementation.
❓ Concerns over management of e-scooter waste
Maria Zacharia (NI) raised concerns in E-000648/2026 on 16 February 2026 about potential breaches of EU waste legislation in the management of discarded e-scooters. The question points to shortcomings in producer obligations under the WEEE Directive and compliance with the Batteries Regulation, as well as the potential circumvention of waste shipment rules by exporting e-scooters as ‘repairable products’. The MEP asks for the Commission’s assessment and what measures it will take to prevent illegal shipments. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Urgent call for action to address crisis in European chemical sector
Wouter Beke, Liesbet Sommen, and Pascal Arimont (PPE) submitted priority question P-000556/2026 on 10 February 2026, highlighting a deepening downturn in the European chemical industry, with numerous plant shutdowns and a sharp fall in investment. Citing high energy and carbon costs, the MEPs ask the Commission what concrete, short-term measures it will take to support the sector and help reduce carbon costs that are undermining competitiveness. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Impact of EU transport policy on automotive sector and EU budget
In E-000588/2026, submitted on 11 February 2026, Rachel Blom and Auke Zijlstra (PfE) question the impact of EU transport legislation, such as CO₂ standards, on restructuring and redundancies in the automotive sector. They ask how the Commission distinguishes between business decisions and EU policy-driven job losses when assessing applications for the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) and what analysis has been done on the future demand for EGF funds. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Protecting the EU steel industry from global trade instability
Idoia Mendia (S&D) asked in E-000652/2026 on 16 February 2026 what urgent trade protection measures the Commission intends to adopt to shield strategic companies in the steel sector from tariff pressure from third countries. Citing recent job cuts at Tubos Reunidos in the Basque Country, the question also seeks information on how the Commission’s Steel and Metals Action Plan will ensure the viability of European steelworks and job retention. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Commission pressed on extending anti-dumping duties to Chinese hybrid vehicles
A group of MEPs led by Anne-Sophie Frigout (PfE) asked in E-000346/2026, submitted on 27 January 2026, whether the Commission intends to revise its position and launch a study on extending anti-dumping duties to Chinese hybrid vehicles. The question notes a significant increase in the market share of these vehicles in the EU and points to potential disagreement within the Commission on the matter, urging a proactive approach to protect the European market. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Parliament seeks details on upcoming European Research Area (ERA) Act
In an oral question (O-000008/2026) submitted on 23 February 2026, MEPs from the ITRE committee asked the Commission about the upcoming European Research Area (ERA) Act. They seek clarity on the proposed legal form of the act, how it will help achieve the 3% GDP R&D investment target, what mechanisms it will include to coordinate national strategies and reduce R&I disparities, and what specific measures will be proposed to improve research careers and ensure the free and secure circulation of knowledge. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Legal status of proposed Türkiye-occupied Cyprus electricity link questioned
Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI) submitted E-000654/2026 on 16 February 2026, questioning the legal status of a proposed electricity interconnection between Türkiye and the occupied areas of Cyprus. The MEP asks if an official authorisation request has been submitted, why the EU has not issued a clear negative decision given the project’s potential breach of international law, and what sanctions the Commission would consider if the project proceeds without authorisation. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ EU adapts foreign policy to shifting global order
In response to P-000300/26 from Fabio De Masi (NI) regarding the changing international order, HR/VP Kallas on 24 February 2026 acknowledged the redefinition of international relations due to active conflicts and geopolitical challenges from Russia and China. The EU is responding through three parallel tracks: urgently strengthening Europe’s defence readiness by 2030; securing its neighbourhood through enlargement and partnerships; and building global partnerships in the Americas, Africa, and the Indo-Pacific, driven by ‘principled pragmatism’.
❗ Commission monitors corruption in Ukraine’s energy sector, confirms no misuse of EU funds
Answering E-004800/2025 on 27 February 2026, Commissioner Kos stated that the Commission is closely monitoring corruption allegations in Ukraine’s energy sector. The response noted that the ongoing investigation shows Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies are functioning and confirmed there are no verified cases of EU funding being misappropriated. The Commission highlighted its multi-layered system of audits and controls under the Ukraine Facility, with payments conditional on Ukraine’s continued respect for the rule of law and implementation of anti-corruption reforms.
