Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission answers published in the week of Monday, 6 April 2026 to Sunday, 12 April 2026. During this period, a total of 13 questions were covered. Of these, 9 have received a response from the European Commission, while 4 remain pending. Key themes include the implementation and financial implications of EU energy and climate regulations, the development of a framework for climate resilience, industrial decarbonisation challenges, and the EU’s role in international climate and energy diplomacy.
❗ Impact of Energy Efficiency Rules on Fuel Prices
In response to E-005007/25 from Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), submitted on 18 December 2025, regarding the effect of energy efficiency obligations on fuel prices, the Commission acknowledged the potential for distributional impacts. In his reply on 7 April 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen stated that while the ‘Fit for 55’ impact assessment showed some policies could affect vulnerable households, energy efficiency measures generally provide net benefits. He emphasised that Directive (EU) 2023/1791 requires Member States to prioritise measures for vulnerable households and that the specific design of national obligation schemes remains a Member State responsibility.
❗ Affordable Energy Action Plan’s Effect on Bills
Responding to E-000168/26 from Jorge Buxadé Villalba (PfE), submitted on 15 January 2026, about the effectiveness of the Affordable Energy Action Plan, the Commission noted that its implementation is well underway. In the answer on 7 April 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen explained that achieving the plan’s full benefits depends on measures implemented by Member States, such as on taxation and permitting. While acknowledging that energy prices remain high despite being lower than during the 2022-2023 crisis, the Commission confirmed it will continue to collaborate with Member States and pursue initiatives like a clean energy investment strategy and a Citizens Energy Package.
❓ Funding Deadline Extensions for Canary Islands’ Energy Strategy
Gabriel Mato (PPE) submitted P-001324/2026 on 31 March 2026, inquiring about the possibility of extending implementation deadlines for sustainable energy strategy funds in the Canary Islands. The question highlights the structural challenges faced by the outermost region, such as insularity and remoteness, which complicate the implementation of energy transition projects, especially given the late start for extraordinary funds. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Future EU Climate Resilience Law
César Luena (S&D) asked in E-000672/26, submitted on 17 February 2026, how the Commission will ensure the future climate resilience law is robust and incorporates scientific advice. In a response on 7 April 2026, Commissioner Hoekstra confirmed the Commission welcomes the report from the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change and that its recommendations are an important input for the forthcoming Integrated European Framework for Climate Resilience. The Commission will assess the use of legislative obligations and implementation mechanisms in its impact assessment and affirmed that nature-based solutions are central to its adaptation and mitigation policies.
❗ Legal Certainty and the Environmental ‘Omnibus’ Package
In E-000209/26, submitted on 20 January 2026, César Luena (S&D) raised concerns that the environmental omnibus package could undermine legal certainty and key environmental directives. Commissioner Roswall replied on 7 April 2026, stating the package aims to reduce administrative burdens without altering environmental objectives. The response clarified that presuming ‘overriding public interest’ for certain strategic projects still requires a case-by-case assessment by competent authorities. It also noted that data from the now-scrapped SCIP database will be integrated into the new Common Data Platform on Chemicals.
❗ Ecodesign Regulations for Solid Fuel Heaters
Martin Günther (The Left) asked in E-000364/26 on 28 January 2026 if the Commission will tighten ecodesign regulations for residential solid fuel heating to reduce particulate matter pollution. Commissioner Jørgensen responded on 7 April 2026 that the Commission is reviewing existing measures and preparing impact assessments. These assessments are considering various policy options, including the implementation of emission-abatement technologies like electrostatic precipitators. A key goal of the review is to improve real-life emissions and develop a test cycle more representative of real-world operation.
❗ Environmental Compliance of Mining Projects in Sweden
In a reply dated 7 April 2026 to E-000487/26, Commissioner Roswall addressed concerns regarding the potential environmental impact of Asera Mining’s plans in Västanå, Sweden. The Commission stated it had not received a formal complaint and clarified that Member States are primarily responsible for ensuring compliance with EU law, such as the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The Commission noted that it will shortly adopt guidance on implementing the WFD for new projects, with a specific focus on the mining sector, to ensure water bodies are protected.
❓ Accelerating the PFAS Restriction Proposal
Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy (Renew) asked in P-001351/2026 on 1 April 2026 whether the Commission will act without delay on a broad PFAS ban, following scientific advice from ECHA and SEAC confirming a public health emergency. The question also highlights the significant economic costs of PFAS pollution and asks if the Commission can reduce delays from formal consultations. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Energy Efficiency in Data Centres
On 7 April 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen responded to E-004928/25 regarding the energy efficiency of data centres. The Commission announced a Data Centre Energy Efficiency Package will be published in 2026, which aims to introduce an EU-wide rating scheme and label for their energy efficiency and sustainability. The Commission is also working with Member States to ensure accurate reporting from data centre operators and will soon publish a report to the Parliament and Council assessing the sector.
❓ Competition in the AI Gigafactory Supply Chain
A group of MEPs led by Oliver Schenk (PPE) submitted E-001255/2026 on 25 March 2026, expressing concern over Europe’s dependence on a single global supplier for data centre GPUs and AI training. The question asks how the Commission will ensure that public procurement for AI gigafactory projects avoids reinforcing market dominance and vendor lock-in, while promoting competition and the participation of European SMEs. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Decarbonisation of the EU Fishing Fleet
Nicolás González Casares (S&D) asked in E-001263/2026 on 25 March 2026 about the Commission’s plans for decarbonising the European fishing fleet, citing a recent study estimating the cost at between EUR 10 billion and EUR 25.6 billion. The MEP asks if the Commission will present a new comprehensive fleet renewal strategy with a financial action plan and remove existing obstacles in fisheries policy. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission Role in Global Just Transition Conference
In response to P-000544/26 from Martin Günther (The Left) and other MEPs, submitted on 10 February 2026, the Commission outlined its stance on the First International Conference for the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels. In his answer on 7 April 2026, Commissioner Hoekstra confirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting the global transition away from fossil fuels in a just and orderly manner. He stated that the Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth is scheduled to participate in the conference, and highlighted that the EU is staying the course on its own climate and environmental goals, including its 2040 target of 90% net greenhouse gas emission reductions.
❗ EU-US Post-War Prosperity Plan for Ukraine
Friedrich Pürner (NI) inquired in E-000291/26 on 26 January 2026 about a reported USD 800 billion post-war prosperity plan for Ukraine and its path to EU membership. Commissioner Kos responded on 7 April 2026, confirming that the Commission is working with Ukraine and the US on a long-term prosperity framework based on a reform agenda embedded in the country’s EU accession path. The plan relies on security guarantees and will utilize the Ukraine Investment Framework to mobilise private investment. The Commission reiterated that Ukraine’s accession path is governed by Article 49 TEU and depends on a sustained and accelerated reform effort.
