Overview
This report reviews parliamentary questions (PQs) published during the timeframe of 05.07.2026 till 12.07.2026 (Monday to Sunday). The documents reflect a strong legislative focus on the regulatory, infrastructural, and financial mechanisms underpinning the European energy transition. Key themes include the environmental impacts and decommissioning of wind energy infrastructure, the critical need for grid modernisation to support electrification and artificial intelligence, and the financing of innovative technologies such as fusion energy. MEPs also raised significant concerns regarding energy security, highlighting supply chain vulnerabilities for critical raw materials and the competitiveness of the European automotive sector against Chinese imports. In total, 30 PQs are covered in this briefing. Of these, 16 have been answered by the European Commission, while 14 remain pending.
❗ Decommissioning of Offshore Wind Infrastructure
In parliamentary question E-001439/26, an inquiry was made regarding the decommissioning of offshore wind turbines. In a response on 06 July 2026, Commissioner Roswall clarified that the Net Zero Industry Act allows Member States to set higher thresholds for environmental sustainability, which can encompass site decommissioning obligations. She noted that the Waste Framework Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive require decommissioning to be managed without harming ecosystems, adding that the Commission is evaluating circularity aspects of wind turbines for the upcoming Circular Economy Act.
❗ Circular Economy and Offshore Wind Foundations
In parliamentary question E-000992/26, concerns were raised regarding the environmental impact of offshore wind turbine foundations. Answering on 07 July 2026, Commissioner Roswall reiterated that the Waste Framework Directive requires waste management without endangering human health or the environment. She highlighted that partial removal of foundations must be assessed against marine environment criteria to ensure no lasting harm, and mentioned scientific studies showing that offshore foundations can function as artificial reefs to enhance biodiversity.
❗ Wind Turbine Noise and WHO Guidelines
In parliamentary question E-001519/26, the issue of wind turbine noise pollution was addressed. In a response on 10 July 2026, Commissioner Roswall noted that while the Environmental Noise Directive focuses on traffic and industrial noise, windfarm projects can be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment where noise emissions must be assessed. She added that it remains the primary responsibility of Member States to define and enforce specific noise requirements, potentially using the 45-decibel threshold recommended by the World Health Organization.
❓ Health Impacts of Wind Turbine Infrasound
Submitted on 17 June 2026 by Gerald Hauser (PfE), parliamentary question E-002523/26 questions the health risks associated with infrasound generated by wind turbines. Citing a recent study from the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz linking wind energy expansion to cardiovascular diseases, as well as court judgments in Belgium and France awarding compensation to local residents, the MEP asks how the Commission views these legal precedents and plans to address the associated health risks. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Certification of Feedstocks for Advanced Biofuels
In parliamentary question E-001370/26, the certification and eligibility of feedstocks for advanced biofuels were examined. In a response on 06 July 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen stated that the Commission recently enlarged the list of eligible feedstocks to include intermediate crops and crops grown on severely degraded land. He announced that the Commission is currently reviewing the rules for verifying sustainability and greenhouse gas emission savings criteria, with a draft amendment to be published for stakeholder feedback later in 2026.
❗ Safety and Permitting of Energy Storage Facilities
In parliamentary question E-001873/26, concerns over the safety and spatial planning of energy storage facilities were raised. Answering on 09 July 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen emphasised that accelerating renewable energy storage is crucial for reducing fossil fuel dependency. He noted that safety parameters are detailed in the new Batteries Regulation and that the proposed European Grids Package aims to streamline permitting for stand-alone storage projects without jeopardising safety standards, leaving distance rules at the discretion of Member States.
❓ Storage Capacity Shortfalls for Renewables in Greece
Submitted on 23 June 2026 by Yannis Maniatis (S&D), parliamentary question E-002575/26 highlights Greece’s low ratio of energy storage capacity (0.22 GW) compared to installed renewable energy sources, resulting in significant curtailments. The MEP requests details on uncompleted storage investments initially included in the Recovery Fund, the capacity connected to the grid so far, and the estimated annual cost to Greek energy prices caused by these delays. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Consumer Costs of Modernising the Energy Grid
Submitted on 25 June 2026 by Erik Kaliňák (NI), parliamentary question E-002628/26 addresses the financial burden of modernising transmission and distribution networks for the green transition. The MEP asks whether the current pace of grid modernisation is sufficient to meet electrification targets, which infrastructure parts are at greatest risk of failure, and how the Commission intends to prevent industry and households from bearing the billions in required grid investments through higher energy prices. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Grid Capacity and Energy Demands of AI Data Centres
Submitted on 25 June 2026 by Erik Kaliňák (NI), parliamentary question E-002625/26 scrutinises the energy consumption of growing data centres driven by artificial intelligence development. The MEP questions whether Europe has sufficient energy grids to fulfil its AI ambitions without driving up electricity prices, and asks what specific measures the Commission will take to ensure data centres do not deprive the rest of European industry and households of competitive energy access. A response from the Commission is pending.
Hydrogen & Power-to-X
❓ Hydrogen Infrastructure vs. Grid Capacity for Heavy Transport
Submitted on 21 April 2026 by Asger Christensen (Renew), parliamentary question E-001632/26 addresses the green transition of heavy-duty road transport in Denmark, where high demand for electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) has strained grid capacity. The MEP notes that hydrogen is not being prioritised despite requirements in the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) and asks for an update on hydrogen filling station rollouts across Member States, as well as an assessment of the European grid’s capacity to handle the switch to electric lorries. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Taxation of Windfall Profits in Energy
In parliamentary question P-001060/26, the implementation of solidarity contributions on energy profits was queried. In a response on 10 July 2026, Commissioner Hoekstra clarified that the 2022 solidarity contribution was a temporary emergency measure that expired at the end of 2023. He noted that the AccelerateEU Communication allows Member States to take national measures on windfall profits to ensure social fairness, and that the Commission will assist in designing targeted measures to mitigate the impact of fuel costs on electricity generation while preserving long-term investment signals.
❗ Financing for CO2 Transport and Storage Infrastructure
In parliamentary question E-002025/26, the availability of funding for carbon capture and storage was questioned. Answering on 09 July 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen explained that the Connecting Europe Facility for Energy (CEF-E) has provided EUR 973 million€973MCited figure in grants to CO2 projects since 2014. Noting that demand for storage exceeds supply, he urged Member States to utilise the Net-Zero Industry Act to recognise these as Strategic Projects and provide financial support from their emissions trading system (ETS) revenues.
❓ EU Financing for Fusion Energy Infrastructure
Submitted on 02 July 2026 by Matej Tonin (PPE) and colleagues, parliamentary question E-002744/26 focuses on the deployment of clean fusion energy infrastructure. Highlighting the need for substantial upfront investment, the MEPs ask how the Commission will ensure funding instruments are available for demonstration facilities and whether it plans to establish dedicated risk-sharing mechanisms or contracts for difference to mobilise capital for fusion deployment. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Private Investment for Critical Minerals Projects
Submitted on 24 June 2026 by Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE), parliamentary question E-002608/26 references a joint statement by 39 companies and financial institutions calling for greater investment in critical minerals value chains. The MEP asks how the Commission intends to safeguard the EU’s supply by improving access to finance for early-stage mining, processing, and refining projects that are not yet eligible for traditional commercial financing. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Cohesion Policy Funds and ETS Impacts on Islands
In parliamentary question E-001763/26, the economic impact of the energy transition on island territories was examined. Answering on 10 July 2026, Executive Vice-President Fitto highlighted that EUR 14.7 billion€14.7BCited figure from cohesion policy funds is allocated to island development for the 2021-2027 period, supporting transport decarbonisation to mitigate volatile energy costs. He also noted that the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) includes targeted derogations for islands to preserve connectivity and that the Commission regularly assesses the ETS’s socio-economic impacts on maritime sectors.
❓ Hydropower Concessions and the Free Market
Submitted on 02 July 2026 by Gaetano Pedulla’ (The Left), parliamentary question E-002751/26 challenges the compatibility of Italy’s rigid hydropower concession framework with EU law. The MEP questions whether alternative, region-specific management models—such as in-house public production or public-collective partnerships involving energy communities—can be legally utilised to prioritise territorial security and social cohesion over free-market approaches. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ RED II and Incentives for Renewable Energy Communities
Submitted on 29 June 2026 by Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Valentina Palmisano (The Left), and Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE), parliamentary question E-002673/26 highlights a potential clash between the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) and Italy’s rules governing incentives for renewable energy communities (RECs). The MEPs argue that a deadline imposed by the Italian Energy Services Operator (GSE) excludes certain operational facilities from state incentives, running counter to RED II’s principles of transparency and non-discrimination. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Habitats Directive and Renewable Energy Projects in Greece
In parliamentary question E-001363/26, the interplay between nature conservation and renewable energy deployment in Greece was raised. In a response on 06 July 2026, Commissioner Roswall explained that under the revised Renewable Energy Directive and the Nature Restoration Regulation, renewable energy systems are presumed to be of overriding public interest. However, within Natura 2000 sites, projects must still undergo appropriate assessments and respect the conditions of the Habitats Directive, a compliance responsibility that falls primarily on Greek authorities.
❗ Transboundary Impacts of Windfarms
In parliamentary question E-001817/26, the assessment of windfarm projects near regional borders was questioned. Answering on 10 July 2026, Commissioner Roswall stated that the Habitats Directive requires assessments for projects likely to impact Special Areas of Conservation, even if the project is located outside the affected site or in another region. She stressed that administrative allocation of competences within a Member State cannot be used to circumvent EU environmental law.
❗ Technology Neutrality and the Role of ETS2
In parliamentary question E-001522/26, the EU’s approach to technology neutrality in the energy sector was addressed. In a response on 06 July 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen stated that the EU’s objective is to reduce dependencies on imported fossil fuels by allowing the market to determine the least-cost solutions. He confirmed that the introduction of the Emissions Trading System 2 (ETS2) was postponed to 2028 to maintain price stability, while noting that fossil-fuel-based gas can be deemed sustainable under strict EU Taxonomy conditions.
❗ CBAM Verification and Renewable Electricity
In parliamentary question E-001598/26, the monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) processes under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) were discussed. Answering on 09 July 2026, Commissioner Hoekstra noted that the Commission is building verification capacity with 22 national accreditation bodies, expecting the first accreditations by September 2026. He added that a December 2025 proposal aims to modify the methodology for electricity default values to reflect the average emission intensity of all sources, including renewables, lowering the default value by 30% per country.
❓ CBAM and EU ETS Free Allowances
Submitted on 25 June 2026 by Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (Renew), parliamentary question E-002629/26 examines the interaction between CBAM and the EU ETS. The MEP raises concerns that accumulated free allowances under the EU ETS may create differing capacities among market participants to absorb carbon costs, potentially distorting competition between domestic operators and importers. She asks how the Commission assesses this impact and whether measures will be introduced in upcoming reviews. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Greek Electricity Market and REMIT Enforcement
In parliamentary question E-002023/26, potential non-compliance in the Greek electricity sector was raised. In a response on 09 July 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen clarified that the Commission has not taken legal action against Greece and has no indications of non-compliance with EU electricity legislation. He noted that the Hellenic Competition Commission is currently investigating the sector and that under the REMIT regulation, national regulatory authorities are competent to handle market abuse enforcement.
❓ Building Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability
Submitted on 25 June 2026 by Erik Kaliňák (NI), parliamentary question E-002626/26 focuses on the socioeconomic impacts of building energy efficiency requirements. The MEP asks how the Commission responds to concerns that tightening building regulations could drive up housing prices and rents, whether owners risk going into debt to finance renovations, and if it is acceptable for property owners and tenants to bear the costs of climate targets in the building sector. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ End-of-Life Vehicles and EV Battery Reuse
In parliamentary question E-001269/26, the reuse and recycling of electric vehicle batteries was examined. Answering on 06 July 2026, Commissioner Roswall stated that the provisional agreement on the new End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation (ELVR) mandates that EV batteries be treated in accordance with the waste hierarchy. She noted that the regulation allows the delivery of end-of-life vehicles without batteries to treatment facilities free of charge to enable reuse and remanufacturing, and confirmed no further legislative amendments are planned.
❗ Critical Raw Materials Act and Strategic Projects
In parliamentary question E-002169/26, the selection process for Strategic Projects under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) was queried. In a response on 06 July 2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné stated that the second selection round is ongoing and complete applications have been transmitted to relevant Member States. He explained that the CRM Board will issue an opinion on the proposed list of projects and emphasised that national authorities must consider transboundary impacts during environmental assessments.
❓ E-Mobility Costs and Restructuring in the Automotive Sector
Submitted on 02 July 2026 by Kosma Złotowski (ECR), parliamentary question E-002748/26 addresses the planned restructuring at the Volkswagen Group, which may involve significant job cuts in Germany. The MEP questions the impact of the 2035 combustion-engine ban on the competitiveness of the European automotive industry and asks whether the Commission intends to alter the pace of climate targets or implement instruments to protect jobs against Chinese competition. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Competitiveness of European Auto Manufacturing vs. China
Submitted on 25 June 2026 by Erik Kaliňák (NI), parliamentary question E-002627/26 warns of the massive transfer of car production to China and associated layoffs in Europe. The MEP asks whether the current regulatory framework will keep European car manufacturers competitive beyond 2030, which regions are most at risk of job losses, and what specific measures the Commission plans to take to prevent the relocation of production outside the EU during the transition to zero-emission mobility. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Chinese Dominance in Latin American Copper Supply
Submitted on 29 June 2026 by Alberico Gambino (ECR) and colleagues, parliamentary question E-002692/26 highlights China’s expanding presence in key critical raw material extraction projects in Latin America, particularly copper. The MEPs ask how the Commission assesses the risk this poses to the Union’s strategic autonomy, how it will strengthen the EU’s industrial presence in Latin America to diversify supply chains, and whether an assessment of this geopolitical concentration has been conducted. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Ending Reliance on Russian Energy Imports
In parliamentary question P-002146/26, the enforcement of energy sanctions against Russia was addressed. In a response on 07 July 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ending Russian energy imports, citing the February 2026 Regulation prohibiting Russian pipeline and liquified natural gas imports by 30 September 2027. He emphasised that the Commission is actively supporting Member States, including Hungary, in their mandatory diversification plans and monitoring the enforcement of restrictive measures targeting Russian fossil fuel revenues.
