Overview
This report summarises parliamentary questions and Commission answers published in the week of Monday, 30.03.2026, to Sunday, 05.04.2026. The key themes addressed include the mounting pressure of energy prices on households and industry, the functioning and impact of the EU’s climate policies such as the Emissions Trading System (ETS), challenges to energy security from geopolitical conflicts, and the implementation of regulations concerning critical raw materials and industrial supply chains. Other topics include national compliance with energy transition goals, grid infrastructure, and environmental conservation. This report covers 27 documents published during the timeframe, including 21 new parliamentary questions for which answers are pending. Additionally, 6 answers to previously submitted questions were published.
❓ MEPs Probe Impact of Geopolitical Tensions and ETS on EU Industrial Competitiveness
In E-001279/2026, MEP Tobiasz Bocheński (ECR) on 26 March 2026 raised concerns about rising gas and electricity prices in the EU, noting that energy costs remain significantly higher than in the US and Asia. The question asks the Commission for an updated assessment of the Emissions Trading System’s (ETS) impact on industrial competitiveness, whether it would consider temporarily adjusting climate policy instruments during price shocks, and if there is a long-term plan to reduce EU energy costs relative to competitors. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Call for Swift EU Measures to Lower High Energy Prices
MEP Dimitris Tsiodras (PPE) submitted E-001198/2026 on 23 March 2026, urging the Commission to take immediate action on affordable energy for citizens and businesses amid the Middle East conflict and inflationary pressures. The question seeks details on the direction and timeline for targeted measures to reduce energy prices and volatility, how the Commission plans to revise the ETS to address its impact on electricity prices, and how it will accelerate the creation of a genuine energy union to bolster security and resilience. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Inquiry into Climate Policy’s Effect on Inflation and Household Costs
On 26 March 2026, MEP Tobiasz Bocheński (ECR) submitted E-001281/2026, highlighting concerns about the impact of climate policy on energy prices and the overall cost of living. Citing a lack of transparent data, the question asks if the Commission will present a comprehensive analysis of how the ETS and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) affect inflation, consider mechanisms to mitigate these effects in crisis situations, and plan measures to reduce energy costs for households. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEPs Question Fairness and Environmental Efficacy of ETS2
In E-001253/2026, MEPs Erik Kaliňák, Judita Laššáková, and Katarína Roth Neveďalová (NI) on 25 March 2026 challenged the upcoming Emissions Trading System for buildings and transport (ETS2), framing it as a potential ‘rip-off’ that increases living costs for citizens. The MEPs ask the Commission to demonstrate that the levies will lead to measurable environmental benefits rather than just acting as a consumer tax, to detail how the collected funds will be allocated between household support and green investments, and to accept political responsibility for potential increases in energy poverty. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEP Proposes EU Solidarity Instrument to Counter Middle East-Linked Cost-of-Living Shock
MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (S&D) on 25 March 2026 submitted E-001259/2026, warning that the escalating conflict in the Middle East could trigger a severe inflationary shock for EU economies. The question asks if the Commission is assessing the potential impact on energy prices and household costs, and whether it will consider preparing a dedicated solidarity instrument, modelled on SURE or SAFE, to help Member States protect workers and vulnerable households from such a crisis. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Commission Questioned on Windfall Profits in German Fuel Market After Iran Conflict
In E-001273/2026, MEP Martin Günther (The Left) on 26 March 2026 highlighted a study indicating that oil companies in Germany made significant windfall profits following the outbreak of the Iran conflict. The question asks if the Commission considers the pricing dynamics warrant an investigation under wholesale energy market regulations (REMIT), whether it is monitoring fuel market margins across the EU, and what threshold of margin divergence would trigger a formal investigation under EU competition rules. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Inquiry into the Financial Cost for France of Proposed New EU Own Resources
MEP Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE) on 24 March 2026 submitted E-001219/2026, requesting a detailed breakdown of the financial implications for France of the Commission’s proposed new own resources for the 2028-2034 EU budget. The question asks for the annual and total cost for France of measures based on the carbon market, carbon-taxed imports, e-waste, tobacco revenue, and a contribution from large companies, as well as the methodology used for these estimates. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEP Questions Sufficiency of New EU Revenue to Repay NextGenerationEU Debt
In E-001221/2026, MEP Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE) on 24 March 2026 raised concerns about the EU’s ability to repay the joint debt incurred under the NextGenerationEU plan, which is set to begin in 2028. Highlighting that proposed new revenue streams are dependent on uncertain factors like the carbon price, the question asks the Commission for its annual revenue expectations from each new resource until 2034 and what contingency plans are in place if revenue is lower than expected or interest rates rise. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEPs Urge Commission Action to Protect Farmers from Middle East Crisis Impacts
A group of S&D MEPs, including Dario Nardella and Cristina Maestre, submitted priority question P-001169/2026 on 19 March 2026 regarding the impact of the Middle East crisis on the EU agricultural sector. They ask the Commission what immediate measures are planned to mitigate rising fuel, energy, and fertiliser costs for farmers, how it assesses the risk of supply disruptions for key inputs, and whether it is prepared to mobilise CAP instruments, including crisis support and State aid flexibility, to support the most affected sectors. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEP Criticises European Competitiveness Fund Amid Economic Challenges
In E-001241/2026, MEP Gerald Hauser (PfE) on 25 March 2026 questioned the rationale behind the proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), arguing that the EU is failing in areas it aims to fund, such as health, decarbonisation, and digital leadership. The MEP asks how the Commission plans to save collapsing health systems, provide secure and affordable energy for all Europeans as promised in the regulation, and guarantee that the planned ‘digital wallet’ will not be used for mass surveillance. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Commission Probed on Italy’s Slowdown in Achieving Energy Transition Targets
MEP Pina Picierno (S&D) submitted E-001209/2026 on 23 March 2026, raising alarms over Italy’s ability to meet EU energy transition goals due to severe slowdowns in authorisation procedures for renewable energy projects. Citing a backlog of over 1,700 environmental impact assessments, a 70% drop in permit applications in 2025, grid saturation, and regulatory delays, the question asks if the Commission will launch formal monitoring of Italy’s compliance, what steps it will take to encourage administrative improvements, and what corrective measures it can implement. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Inquiry into Support Mechanisms for Romanian Miners Amid Coal Phase-Out
On 25 March 2026, MEP Ioan-Rareş Bogdan (PPE) submitted E-001248/2026 concerning the impending closure of coal production facilities in Romania and the resulting protests by over a thousand miners. Noting Romania’s commitment under its RRP to close mines by 2030, the question asks what mechanisms are available to Member States to mitigate the impact of mine closures and whether the Commission is considering a rethink of European mining policies given the current energy situation. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Call for Regulatory Adaptation of ETS and MRV Frameworks for Offshore Shipping
In priority question P-001316/2026, MEP Benoit Cassart (Renew) on 30 March 2026 highlighted significant difficulties for offshore vessels in complying with EU monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) obligations. With the EU ETS set to apply to these vessels from 2027, the question asks if the Commission acknowledges structural gaps in the regulations that fail to reflect the sector’s operational realities and what specific measures are being considered to address these issues before the deadline. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEPs Question Impact of Congestion Income Rules on National Grid Investments
On 20 March 2026, MEPs Beatrice Timgren, Dick Erixon, and Charlie Weimers (ECR) submitted E-001172/2026 concerning a proposed regulation that would earmark 25% of grid congestion income for EU-level infrastructure projects. For Member States like Sweden with internal bidding zones, where significant income is generated by internal bottlenecks, the MEPs ask if this rule will reduce resources available for strengthening the national grid, whether it amounts to a redistribution of resources borne by consumers, and how it aligns with Member States’ responsibility for their own grid constraints. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Inquiry into Subsidiarity and Regulatory Bottlenecks in Critical Raw Materials Act
MEP Mathilde Androuët (PfE) on 23 March 2026 submitted E-001200/2026, questioning the Commission on the effectiveness and governance of the EU’s critical raw materials strategy. Citing a European Court of Auditors report, the question asks for a consolidated amount of funding that has secured material volumes since 2021, what specific measures are planned to remove regulatory bottlenecks in mining and industrial permitting, and how the Commission will ensure the Critical Raw Materials Act respects subsidiarity without leading to a technocratic recentralisation of industrial policy. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEP Questions if Green Deal Increases Strategic Dependence on Critical Raw Materials
In E-001201/2026, MEP Mathilde Androuët (PfE) on 23 March 2026 raised concerns that the EU’s Green Deal is increasing demand for critical raw materials while the bloc remains highly dependent on single third-country suppliers. The question asks the Commission to provide numerical analysis showing how the Critical Raw Materials Act’s 2030 objectives will reduce this dependence, what scenarios have been studied for potential export restrictions from dominant countries like China, and how it reconciles accelerating climate targets with the current lack of industrial and mining security. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ MEP Raises Concerns Over EU Trade Defence for Net-Zero Technology Manufacturers
On 25 March 2026, MEP Bruno Tobback (S&D) submitted E-001239/2026, highlighting the pressure on European manufacturers of strategic net-zero technologies from heavily subsidised non-EU suppliers. The question criticises delays in the Commission’s handling of trade defence submissions, asking what steps are being taken to ensure DG Trade has sufficient capacity, how the EU can maintain strategic autonomy without better access to trade defence instruments for these industries, and whether the methodology will be adapted for sectors reliant on long-term tenders. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Inquiry into Regulations Hampering the Vehicle Circular Economy
MEP Katri Kulmuni (Renew) on 26 March 2026 submitted E-001269/2026, pointing out regulatory barriers to the reuse of car parts. The question highlights issues such as components being programmed to work only in the original car, the Batteries Regulation incentivising recycling over reuse, and independent dismantlers lacking access to manufacturer data needed to safely assess parts for reuse. The MEP asks if the Commission is aware of these issues and intends to amend the relevant legislation to better support the circular economy for vehicles. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Delays in Construction Products Regulation Implementation Raise Industry Concerns
In E-001171/2026, MEP Christian Doleschal (PPE) on 20 March 2026 flagged that the development of European Assessment Documents (EADs), essential for innovative construction products, has been delayed since the new Construction Products Regulation entered into force. The question asks the Commission which legal or technical prerequisites are not yet in place, whether transitional measures are being considered to allow EADs to continue, and what actions will be taken to prevent a regulatory gap that could delay projects and harm innovation. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission Outlines Assessment Process for Strategic Projects under CRMA
In a response published on 3 April 2026 to question E-000533/2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné clarified the process for selecting Strategic Projects under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). The answer, dated 1 April 2026, states that the second selection round is ongoing and the Commission cannot prejudge outcomes. It was emphasized that Member States are primarily responsible for ensuring compliance with EU law, including environmental assessments, and that any project likely to have a significant effect on a protected site must undergo an appropriate assessment. The Commission also noted the requirement for transboundary consultations if a project is likely to have significant environmental effects in another Member State.
❗ Commission Affirms Competition Rules Apply to High-Purity Vacuum Salt Market
In an answer to question E-004282/2025, Executive Vice-President Ribera on 30 March 2026 confirmed that EU competition rules apply to the market for high-purity vacuum salt, an important industrial input. The Commission does not collect price data but examines supply concentration in its criticality assessments. The response outlines that if a firm is found to hold a dominant position and abuse it, the Commission can order the conduct to cease and levy fines. Citizens and companies can lodge formal complaints if they suspect anti-competitive practices, and private damages actions can be pursued in national courts.
❓ Commission Questioned on Response to Alleged Ukrainian Attacks on TurkStream Pipeline
MEP Petra Steger (PfE) submitted E-001068/2026 on 16 March 2026, alleging that Ukraine has been attacking the TurkStream gas pipeline, thereby threatening the energy security of Hungary and Slovakia. The question asks for the Commission’s assessment of these alleged attacks, what measures it plans to take to protect the Member States’ energy infrastructure from Ukraine, and why it has not explicitly condemned these actions. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Council Queried on Removal of Individuals from Russia Sanctions List
In E-001144/2026, submitted on 18 March 2026, MEP Maciej Wąsik (ECR) questioned the Council about the removal of Niels Troost and Maya Bolotova from the EU sanctions list against Russia. The question asks if their removal means they are no longer involved in aiding Russia, whether the decision was linked to alleged threats by Slovakia to block the extension of the sanctions list, and what factual circumstances justified the decision. A response from the Council is pending.
❗ Commission Reiterates Stance on Türkiye’s Role in Eastern Mediterranean Stability
In two separate but similar answers, E-000383/2026 and E-000411/2026, High Representative/Vice-President Kallas addressed EU-Türkiye relations concerning the Eastern Mediterranean. In responses dated 31 March and 1 April 2026, the Commission reiterated that Türkiye is expected to commit to good neighbourly relations and the peaceful settlement of disputes, respecting the sovereignty and sovereign rights of all Member States, including the right to explore natural resources under international law. The Commission noted that despite a positive atmosphere in Greece-Türkiye dialogue, unresolved disputes continue to strain relations, and Türkiye has continued to issue navigational warnings challenging Greek sovereignty.
❗ Commission Clarifies Stance on Spain’s Unilateral Protection of European Eel
Responding to question E-000539/2026, the Commission addressed the Spanish Government’s intention to list the European eel as an endangered species, which would close the fishery. In a response on 30 March 2026, Commissioner Kadis stated that while Member States may take more stringent measures than those at the EU level, closing fisheries in isolation is insufficient for eel recovery. The answer highlights the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) advice for zero catches and emphasizes that tackling all human-induced mortalities, including environmental ones like habitat loss and river connectivity, is crucial. The Commission noted that it continues to work with Member States to help rebuild the critically endangered eel stock.
❗ Commission Calls for More Ambition in Protecting Critically Endangered European Eel
In an answer to question P-000846/2026, published on 3 April 2026, Commissioner Kadis outlined the EU’s approach to the conservation of the European eel. The response, dated 1 April 2026, acknowledged that the targets of the Eel Regulation have mostly not been met and there are no signs of stock recovery. It stressed that further ambition is needed to address environmental mortalities alongside fisheries measures. The Commission highlighted its call for Member States to revise their Eel Management Plans and noted that the Nature Restoration Regulation will boost the restoration of river habitats, which is crucial for the species.
