Overview
This report covers recent Parliamentary Questions submitted by Members of the European Parliament, focusing on key energy and environmental policy areas published between Monday 5 and Sunday 11 January 2026. The questions address a wide range of topics, including the development of renewable energy sources, the modernization of energy grids and infrastructure, and the intricacies of energy financing, markets, and investment. MEPs also scrutinized EU regulation, governance, and national plans like REPowerEU, alongside developments in industrial policy, innovation, and critical supply chains. Finally, several questions touched upon the crucial themes of energy security and the EU’s external partnerships. In total, this report analyses 42 questions, of which 24 have received a response from the European Commission, while 18 are still pending an answer.
❓ Offshore Wind’s Environmental Impact and EU Support
In E-005053/2025, submitted on 22 December 2025, MEPs Jean-Paul Garraud, France Jamet, and Julie Rechagneux (PfE) question the EU’s continued support for offshore wind energy. Citing a recent study on its potential negative environmental impacts, such as altering sea surface temperatures and harming marine biodiversity, they ask if the Commission will reassess its quantitative targets and financial support for the sector. The MEPs also inquire whether the Commission would consider redirecting resources towards controllable, low-carbon energy sources like nuclear power. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Accelerating Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure
MEP Daniel Buda (PPE) submitted E-005011/2025 on 18 December 2025, highlighting that lengthy administrative procedures and a lack of coordination are slowing down critical cross-border energy projects. Arguing that these delays hamper the integration of renewables and affect industrial competitiveness, the question asks what concrete measures the Commission will take to accelerate these projects, including simplifying authorisation procedures and strengthening coordination between national authorities. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ EU Funding and Permitting for Energy Infrastructure
In a response on 5 January 2026 to P-004437/2025, Commissioner Jørgensen outlined EU support for cross-border energy infrastructure. He confirmed that the Connecting Europe Facility for Energy (CEF-E) has supported 124 Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) with EUR 8 billion since 2014 and that the Commission has proposed increasing the CEF-E budget to EUR 29.9 billion for the next MFF. Furthermore, he noted that the Grids Package, adopted on 10 December 2025, aims to streamline permitting procedures for grids, renewables, and storage projects, with a specific focus on priority infrastructure in South-East Europe.
❗ Resilience of Energy and Digital Infrastructure
Responding to E-003786/2025 on 8 January 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen addressed the resilience of critical infrastructure during crises, referencing recent events in Spain and Portugal. He detailed existing EU frameworks, such as the network code on electricity emergency and restoration and the Risk Preparedness Regulation, which allow Member States to protect essential users like digital services from disconnection. The Commission is also working to bolster resilience through the Critical Entities Directive and a Cable Security Action Plan, with a revision of the energy security framework planned for 2026.
❓ Sustainable Fuels in the EU’s Outermost Regions
MEPs Sérgio Gonçalves and André Rodrigues (S&D) submitted E-004966/2025 on 16 December 2025, raising concerns about the transition to sustainable fuels in the EU’s outermost regions. They highlight challenges such as small market size, geographical isolation, and infrastructure limitations. The MEPs ask if the Commission plans to allocate dedicated funding for these regions and how it intends to ensure infrastructure interoperability to avoid fragmentation in the deployment of sustainable fuels. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ CBAM Implementation and Business Stability
In a response on 6 January 2026 to E-004234/2025, Commissioner Hoekstra detailed the implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). He confirmed that authorised CBAM declarants will purchase certificates from 1 February 2027 for emissions embedded in goods imported from 1 January 2026. The price will reflect EU ETS auction prices and will be calculated quarterly in 2026 and weekly from 2027 onwards. Declarants must hold certificates corresponding to at least 50% of their year-to-date imported emissions at the end of each quarter.
❗ CBAM Rules and WTO Compatibility
In a related answer on 5 January 2026 to E-004248/2025, Commissioner Hoekstra reiterated the Commission’s commitment to providing stability for businesses under CBAM. He stated that implementing and delegated acts for the definitive phase (starting 1 January 2026) would be adopted by the end of 2025. He assured that importers will know the applicable default values, benchmarks, and certificate prices as soon as possible during the year of import. The Commissioner also underlined that CBAM has been designed to be fully compatible with WTO rules, mirroring the EU ETS and adhering to principles of non-discrimination and transparency.
❗ ETS2 Implementation and Social Climate Fund
Commissioner Hoekstra, in a reply on 8 January 2026 to E-004154/2025, addressed the new Emissions Trading System for buildings and transport (ETS2). He noted that despite a one-year delay in its start to 2028, Member States remain legally obliged to meet their 2030 emission reduction targets. To ensure a socially fair transition, the Social Climate Fund (SCF) will mobilise EUR 65 billion from 2026 to support vulnerable households. Additionally, Member States must use all national ETS2 revenues for measures and investments supporting low- and middle-income citizens.
❗ Potential Inclusion of Waste Incineration in EU ETS
Responding to E-004623/2025 on 8 January 2026, Commissioner Hoekstra discussed the potential inclusion of municipal waste incineration (MWI) in the EU Emissions Trading System. He noted that while some incinerators are already covered, all MWI installations above 20MW must monitor and report emissions from 2024. The Commission is required to assess the inclusion of MWI and other waste management processes like landfills in the upcoming review of the EU ETS Directive, scheduled for July 2026. An impact assessment is currently underway to evaluate the effects on emissions reduction and the circular economy.
❗ No Plans for New Windfall Profit Tax
In a reply on 8 January 2026 to E-003997/2025, Commissioner Jørgensen clarified the EU’s stance on windfall profit taxes for energy companies. He stated that direct taxation falls within Member State competence and that the EU-level temporary solidarity contribution during the 2022-2023 energy crisis was an extraordinary measure. The Commission currently has no plans to introduce a similar measure. Instead, it supports tools like Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and two-way Contracts for Difference (CfDs) to provide affordable electricity and decouple consumer prices from volatile fossil fuel costs.
❗ Mitigating Gas Price Impact on Electricity Bills
Commissioner Jørgensen, on 8 January 2026, responded to E-004126/2025 about tackling high electricity bills. He highlighted the 2024 electricity market design reform, which strengthens the role of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and two-way Contracts for Difference (CfDs) to make prices less dependent on fossil fuels. The Commission’s 2025 Action Plan for Affordable Energy includes a pilot program with the EIB to provide guarantees for PPAs and guidance for Member States on designing effective CfDs. Further guidance on network charges and energy taxation is also planned to help bring down costs for consumers.
❗ Commission’s Action Plan for Affordable Energy
In his response on 8 January 2026 to E-003664/2025, Commissioner Hoekstra outlined the Commission’s strategy to make energy more affordable. He pointed to the Action Plan for Affordable Energy, presented in February 2025, which includes eight measures to lower costs. Key initiatives include guidance on efficient network charges and lower electricity taxes, which constitute around 40% of electricity costs for SMEs. The European Grids Package, adopted in December 2025, also aims to lower prices by enabling cheaper clean energy to flow more efficiently across the EU.
❓ Delays in German State Aid Approval for Emissions Trading
MEP Christine Schneider (PPE) submitted E-005000/2025 on 17 December 2025, questioning the nearly two-year delay in the Commission’s State aid approval for extending Germany’s national Fuel Emissions Trading Regulation (BECV). This mechanism provides CO2 emissions leakage compensation for companies outside the EU ETS. The MEP asks for the reasons behind the delay, how the Commission ensures timely examination of such national instruments to prevent competitive disadvantages, and whether adjustments are planned to expedite procedures in the upcoming revision of the ETS State Aid Guidelines. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ State Aid Rules for Port Infrastructure and Superstructure
On 9 January 2026, Executive Vice-President Ribera responded to P-004500/2025 regarding State aid for ports. The response clarifies that the rationale for investment aid differs for infrastructure (high cost, not easily recouped privately) and superstructure (productive assets amortised through revenue). However, various support mechanisms exist for specific superstructures, such as decarbonisation aid under the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) and the Climate, Environmental Protection and Energy Aid Guidelines (CEEAG). Shore-side electricity and refuelling infrastructures are also eligible for support under the GBER.
❗ Impact of RRF in France and NGEU Repayment
In a response on 8 January 2026 to E-004269/2025, Commissioner Dombrovskis provided an update on France’s recovery and resilience plan (RRP). He confirmed that France has received EUR 34.1 billion of its EUR 40.3 billion allocation. The Commission estimates the total direct and indirect positive impact of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) on the French economy to be EUR 57.5 billion. The repayment of the NextGenerationEU (NGEU) grants will be covered by the EU budget until 2058, and the Commission has proposed new own resources to help fund this and other EU policies.
❗ RRF’s Impact on Business Environment Reforms
Commissioner Dombrovskis, on 6 January 2026, replied to E-004515/2025 concerning the effectiveness of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) in addressing business-environment challenges. He welcomed a Court of Auditors’ analysis confirming that national plans addressed around two-thirds of these challenges. He clarified that the RRF Regulation requires Member States to address ‘all or a significant subset’ of country-specific recommendations, allowing for prioritisation. The Commission will continue to monitor implementation and follow up on reforms beyond 2026 through the European Semester process.
❓ Assessment of the REPowerEU Plan
MEP Roberto Vannacci (PfE) submitted E-004968/2025 on 16 December 2025, calling for a realistic assessment of the REPowerEU Plan three years after its launch. The question argues that while reliance on Russian gas has fallen, the EU remains heavily dependent on energy imports, and the plan has not sufficiently improved Europe’s energy production, storage, or resilience. The MEP asks for the Commission’s assessment of the results achieved, what additional measures will be taken to increase domestic energy production, and how it will address continued energy price volatility. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Socio-Economic Impact of the EU’s 2040 Climate Target
In E-004985/2025, submitted on 17 December 2025, MEP Anna Zalewska (ECR) raises concerns about the proposed binding 2040 EU climate target to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 90%. Citing potential negative impacts on Poland’s industrial and mining sectors, she asks if the Commission has conducted a socio-economic impact assessment, whether it is considering partial exemptions for countries like Poland, and how the target will be achieved in the context of potential EU expansion. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Progress Towards 8th Environment Action Programme Goals
MEP César Luena (S&D) submitted E-004974/2025 on 17 December 2025, referencing a European Environment Agency report indicating that most of the EU’s 2030 environmental targets are off track. Given this bleak outlook, the question asks for the Commission’s view on the EU’s inability to meet its own targets and what steps it will take—beyond deregulation and simplification—to ensure the objectives of the 8th Environment Action Programme are met. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Implementation of the European Green Deal
In a response on 5 January 2026 to E-004459/2025, Commissioner Roswall affirmed that the European Green Deal is being implemented through various initiatives aimed at lowering emissions and strengthening economic resilience. She noted that in 2026, the Commission will continue to update key climate legislation for post-2030 targets and will present a Circular Economy Act. A new European integrated framework for climate resilience is also in preparation, supported by funding from the Cohesion Fund, Social Climate Fund, and Recovery and Resilience Facility to assist vulnerable groups and regions.
❓ Social Acceptability of Accelerated Permitting Procedures
MEP Katri Kulmuni (Renew) submitted E-005019/2025 on 18 December 2025, raising concerns about the social acceptance of energy projects with accelerated permitting. While supporting the goals of boosting competitiveness and energy security, the question asks if the fast-tracked processes for Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs) include sufficient elements to ensure local communities are adequately consulted and can influence decisions, citing heated public debate over hydropower plans in Northern Finland. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Exemption from Nitrogen Regulations for Dutch Construction
In E-004980/2025, submitted on 17 December 2025, MEP Rachel Blom (PfE) asks the Commission about a potential temporary exemption from strict nitrogen regulations in the Netherlands. The question argues that these regulations are delaying hundreds of essential projects, including housing, energy infrastructure, and grid connections. The MEP asks if the Commission is prepared to formally apply an exemption for nitrogen emissions during the construction phase of such projects to reduce delays and shutdowns. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ ‘Environmental Omnibus’ Proposal and Public Participation
MEP Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE) submitted E-004971/2025 on 17 December 2025, expressing concern that the Commission’s ‘environmental omnibus’ proposal represents a serious environmental setback and an attack on the Aarhus Convention’s principles of transparency and public participation. The question asks how the Commission intends to ensure compliance with the Convention and the active participation of civil society while simplifying procedures, and how it will guarantee correct environmental impact assessments for sensitive projects. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ EU Rules on Environmental Impact Assessments
On 7 January 2026, Commissioner Roswall responded to E-004635/2025, clarifying EU environmental assessment rules. She explained that the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive applies to plans and programmes, not specific projects. However, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive requires an assessment for projects likely to have significant environmental effects, such as urban development. Furthermore, projects likely to affect a Natura 2000 site must undergo an appropriate assessment under the Habitats Directive. The Commission considers national legal redress the most effective way to address individual cases of possible non-compliance.
❓ Alleged Corruption and Use of EU Funds in Spain
MEP Jorge Buxadé Villalba (PfE) submitted E-004946/2025 on 15 December 2025, regarding allegations of corruption in Spanish public procurement involving companies linked to the government and contracts co-financed by EU funds. The question asks if the Commission or the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) have opened investigations into the matter and whether the Commission is considering a special body to monitor the use of NextGenerationEU funds by the Spanish government. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Monitoring of EU Funds and Corruption in Ukraine
In a response on 9 January 2026 to P-004505/2025, Commissioner Kos addressed corruption allegations in Ukraine’s energy sector. She stated that EU support to Ukraine is based on strong safeguards, and there is currently no evidence that EU money has been diverted in the reported case. The Commission views the uncovering of the case as a positive sign that Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions are functioning and building a track record. It maintains its stance that Ukraine is ready for the next step in EU accession negotiations, where monitoring can be further intensified.
❓ Waste Classification of Green Clippings in Italy
MEP Dario Tamburrano (The Left) submitted priority question P-005035/2025 on 19 December 2025, questioning Italy’s implementation of EU waste legislation. The question highlights an Italian regulation that allows waste from the maintenance of public green spaces (grass clippings and prunings) to be considered a by-product of a production activity rather than municipal waste. The MEP asks if this practice correctly transposes Directive 2008/98/EC and what action the Commission will take if Italy is found to be non-compliant. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Rethinking the EU’s Approach to Waste Incineration
In E-004952/2025, submitted on 15 December 2025, MEP Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE) raises concerns about the continued development of new waste incinerators across the EU despite evidence of overcapacity. The question argues that this approach undermines climate neutrality and circular economy goals while exposing populations to toxic pollutants. It asks what measures the Commission will take to halt this trend and ensure EU funding and legislation prioritize waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Ensuring Security of Supply from Strategic Raw Materials Projects
MEP Pascal Arimont (PPE) submitted a follow-up question, E-005026/2025, on 19 December 2025 regarding strategic projects under the Critical Raw Materials Act. Referencing a non-legally binding offer from a US bank to Tungsten West PLC, a designated strategic project, the question asks what preventative tools the Commission is activating, for example through RESourceEU, to ensure such projects effectively contribute to the EU’s security of supply before it considers withdrawing their strategic status. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Securing Raw Materials for the Green Transition
On 7 January 2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné responded to E-004475/2025, acknowledging that access to raw materials is essential for the EU’s clean and digital transitions. The Commission is actively working to ensure security of supply through the Critical Raw Materials Act, which aims to boost EU production capacity, diversify sources, and increase recycling. Other measures include the ResourceEU initiative and the establishment of 15 Strategic Raw Materials Partnerships with third countries.
❗ Supporting Energy-Efficient Construction and Net-Zero Tech
In a reply on 8 January 2026 to E-004516/2025, Executive Vice-President Sejourné stated that the EU’s legislative framework, including the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, creates stable demand for energy-efficient construction materials. He highlighted that the future Industrial Accelerator Act will build on the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) to speed up permitting and support the clean transition. The NZIA aims to increase European manufacturing capacity for 19 net-zero technologies, including energy management systems, heat pumps, and building automation.
❗ Harmonised Labelling for Rechargeable and Non-Rechargeable Batteries
Responding to E-004444/2025 on 5 January 2026, Commissioner Roswall clarified the labelling requirements under the Batteries Regulation. The requirement to label ‘capacity’ applies only to rechargeable batteries, as this is not a reliable parameter for non-rechargeable (primary) batteries. For the latter, the regulation requires an indication of the ‘minimum average duration’ under specific conditions. An implementing act will be adopted in 2026 to establish harmonised labelling requirements for both types of batteries.
❓ Governance and Performance of EU Joint Undertakings
MEP Mathilde Androuët (PfE) submitted E-004976/2025 on 17 December 2025, citing a European Court of Auditors report that revealed significant delays and shortcomings in the governance of EU joint undertakings in strategic sectors like hydrogen, semiconductors, and cybersecurity. The question asks if the Commission acknowledges that this approach risks replacing industrial power with bureaucracy and whether it will strengthen internal skills management and budget transparency to ensure investments generate concrete industrial capacities. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Delays in EU-wide PFAS Restriction
A group of MEPs from the Verts/ALE group submitted E-004861/2025 on 9 December 2025, expressing major concern over delays in the EU-wide restriction of PFAS chemicals. They note that the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) is expected to miss its legal deadline for adopting an opinion by almost two years. The MEPs ask the Commission for a firm commitment to respect its own three-month legal deadline to prepare a draft restriction upon receipt of the SEAC opinion, which would mean a proposal by March 2027 at the latest. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Real-World Emissions of Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
In his response to E-004213/2025 on 8 January 2026, Commissioner Hoekstra acknowledged reports showing a large gap between the official and real-world CO2 emissions of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). This is largely because they are not charged and driven electrically as often as anticipated. To address this, the Commission introduced changes to the ‘utility factor’ calculation, applicable from 2025, to ensure official CO2 emissions for PHEVs are more representative of real driver behaviour. The upcoming review of CO2 standards will take into account all relevant technological developments.
❗ European Competitiveness Fund and the Innovation Divide
On 7 January 2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné responded to E-003964/2025, explaining the approach of the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). The core principle is to fund the best projects across the EU, irrespective of their location, meaning it does not include geographically dedicated funding envelopes. However, the ECF will include elements to reduce imbalances, such as on-the-ground project advisory support via the EU4Business Network in all Member States and a Value Chain Builder to help integrate stakeholders with different industrial capacities.
❓ Future EU Framework for ‘Sovereign Cloud’ Services
MEP Piotr Müller (ECR) submitted E-005052/2025 on 22 December 2025, ahead of the Commission’s planned 2026 ‘Cloud and AI Development Act’. The question asks how the Commission will propose a legal definition of ‘sovereign cloud’ without undermining market openness and competitiveness. It also seeks assurances that new rules will not unduly restrict access to cloud services for businesses and public administrations, and asks how the EU will balance digital resilience with the need to attract global investment. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Effectiveness of Countervailing Duties on Chinese Electric Vehicles
In a reply on 6 January 2026 to E-004513/2025, Commissioner Šefčovič stated that the EU’s countervailing duties on Chinese battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are achieving their goal. While Chinese BEV imports had multiplied by almost 20 before the measures, a comparison of the 12 months since provisional measures were imposed shows a decrease of roughly 15%. In parallel, EU production has reversed previous trends and is now growing. The Commission asserts that the duties effectively offset the injurious effects of the subsidisation found during the investigation.
❗ EU Sanctions on Russian Oil Products
On 6 January 2026, Commissioner Albuquerque responded to E-004152/2025, detailing the impact of EU sanctions on Russia’s energy sector. She confirmed that EU dependency on Russian seborne crude oil has fallen from over 25% to 2%, and on refined products from over 40% to virtually zero. The Commission is monitoring imports from third countries that may be produced using Russian crude oil, and a ban on such imports is set to take effect on 21 January 2026. Member States have been contacted to enhance checks and due diligence.
❓ Planned LNG Plant in Pagasetic Gulf, Greece
MEP Kostas Papadakis (NI) submitted E-004955/2025 on 15 December 2025, concerning plans to build an LNG facility in the Pagasetic Gulf in Greece. The question highlights mass protests by local residents who fear a major industrial accident and points to geopolitical risks associated with Greece becoming an ‘energy hub’. The MEP asks for the Commission’s position on the local community’s request to prohibit the plant and on the broader consequences of the EU’s energy strategy. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ EU-US Energy Procurement Agreement Clarified
In a response on 7 January 2026 to E-003918/2025, Commissioner Jørgensen clarified the nature of the EU-US political agreement on energy procurement. He explained that the estimated value of around EUR 700 billion for imports of oil, gas, and nuclear technologies through 2028 is not a commitment by governments to buy or sell energy. Instead, it represents an intentional estimate of purchases that would be the result of commercial decisions made by private companies, considering their existing contracts and market conditions.
❗ EU-Morocco Agreement and Western Sahara
Responding to E-003920/2025 on 6 January 2026, Commissioner Šefčovič confirmed that a new agreement with Morocco fully meets the conditions set out by the Court of Justice in its October 2024 judgment concerning Western Sahara. The Commission has transmitted its proposals for the signature and conclusion of the new agreement to the European Parliament and stands ready to appear before the relevant committees to discuss it further.
