Overview
This report reviews parliamentary questions (PQs) published during the timeframe of 13.09.2026 till 20.09.2026 (Monday → Sunday). The tracked documents highlight several critical themes in the energy and environmental sectors, including the environmental and health impacts of renewable energy generation, the security and public ownership of electricity transmission grids, supply chain resilience for critical raw materials, and the sustainability of digital infrastructure. Governance and the enforcement of European regulations, notably concerning EV batteries and corporate conflicts of interest in EU-funded projects, also feature prominently. In total, this briefing covers 8 PQs, of which 3 have been answered by the Commission and 5 remain pending.
❓ Environmental and Health Impacts of Wind Turbines
Through E-003524/2026, submitted on 07.09.2026, Gerald Hauser (PfE) questions the Commission on the environmental and health impacts of wind turbines. Referencing earlier Commission statements and Horizon Europe research on offshore wind farms, the MEP asks why the Commission has allegedly failed to inform the public about significant microplastic pollution and adverse health effects associated with both onshore and offshore wind turbines. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Siting and Permitting for Energy Storage and Wind Facilities
In E-002855/2026, questions were raised regarding the safeguards for siting large-scale energy storage and wind facilities. In a response on 17 September 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen clarified that accelerating permit-granting procedures must align with environmental and health safeguards under the precautionary principle. He noted that while EU law mandates adequate risk assessments, establishing minimum siting standards remains the responsibility of Member States based on national and regional specificities.
❓ Public Control of Electricity Transmission Systems
Via E-003503/2026, submitted on 04.09.2026, Bruno Gonçalves (S&D) addresses the strategic role of energy security, highlighting the Portuguese Government’s recent acquisition of a 13.7% stake in the national grid operator, REN. The MEP asks for the Commission’s perspective on public control in transmission system operators (TSOs) and whether majority state ownership enhances EU sovereignty and energy security. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Assessing and Mitigating Blackout Risks
In E-002980/2026, concerns regarding the probability and impacts of large-scale blackouts were addressed. In a response on 17 September 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen outlined that the Commission assesses blackout risks using EU disaster scenarios, the Risk-Preparedness Regulation, and the Blackout Simulator. Noting that consequences vary by season and geography, the Commissioner emphasized that strengthening cross-border connectivity and emergency preparedness remains a key priority, supported by funding mechanisms like the Connecting Europe Facility.
❓ Enforcement of the EU Batteries Regulation
Submitted on 08.09.2026, E-003542/2026 by Eero Heinäluoma (S&D) highlights challenges in Finland regarding the national enforcement of the EU Batteries Regulation. The MEP warns that current national instructions risk classifying repairers of electric vehicle batteries as remanufacturers, imposing disproportionate administrative and financial burdens. The query asks what steps the Commission will take to ensure affordable EV battery repair solutions exist. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Critical Raw Materials Act and Recycling Capacity
Addressing E-002606/2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné provided a response on 11 September 2026 detailing the recycling objectives of the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). The response confirms the EU’s target to produce at least 25% of its annual consumption of strategic raw materials via recycling by 2030. To further incentivize the recovery of technologically complex materials, the Commission is mandated to establish additional recycling-capacity benchmarks for specific waste streams by 1 January 2027.
❓ Energy Efficiency and Sustainability of Data Centres
In E-003396/2026, submitted on 31.08.2026, Nicolás González Casares (S&D) questions the delay in proposing data centre energy efficiency regulations, originally expected alongside the European technological sovereignty package. Citing industry concerns that Europe might resort to fossil fuels to meet AI infrastructure demands, the MEP asks how the Commission will safeguard renewable energy priorities and what specific measures will be included in tripartite agreements with data centre operators. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Corporate Governance and Conflicts of Interest in EU Funding
Through E-003548/2026, submitted on 08.09.2026 by Dick Erixon (ECR), Beatrice Timgren (ECR), and Charlie Weimers (ECR), concerns are raised over potential conflicts of interest involving EIT InnoEnergy, Northvolt, and Stegra. The MEPs question whether overlapping advisory roles by former politicians and industry strategists have improperly influenced EU funding decisions. Furthermore, they ask how the Commission prevents individuals associated with failed projects from securing new EU financial support without rigorous review. A response from the Commission is pending.
