Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) published between 14.06.2026 and 21.06.2026 (Monday to Sunday). The monitored documents highlight several core themes in energy and industrial policy, particularly the geopolitical impacts on energy security and pricing, the enforcement of environmental standards in renewable infrastructure projects, and the safeguarding of European industrial competitiveness in sectors like steel, silicon, and critical raw materials. In total, this briefing encompasses 14 PQs, of which 9 have been formally answered by the European Commission and 5 remain pending.
❗ Geothermal Energy and Low-Impact Technologies
Submitted on 20 April 2026 by MEPs Dario Tamburrano, Pasquale Tridico, and Valentina Palmisano (The Left), E-001615/26 questions the environmental impact of Enel Green Power’s geothermal facilities in Monte Amiata, Tuscany, and asks if the Commission will draft guidelines or allocate funds for low-impact closed-loop technologies. In a response on 18 June 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen acknowledged the importance of geothermal energy for decarbonisation, noting that most systems operate in closed loops with no relevant emissions, and highlighted that such projects must undergo environmental assessments under EU law; the Commission will continue to support clean technology research through Horizon 2020 and the Innovation Fund.
❓ Biodigester in Rome and Groundwater Protection
Submitted on 8 June 2026 by MEPs Dario Tamburrano and Mario Furore (The Left), E-002339/26 raises concerns about a private biodigester authorised by the Lazio Region near an organic farm and an aquifer protection area in Rome, questioning Italy’s compliance with the Water Framework Directive. The MEPs additionally ask if this case will be included in the existing EU Pilot Procedure on waste management in Lazio. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Austria Power Grid’s 380 kV Overhead Power Line
Submitted on 9 June 2026 by MEP Elisabeth Dieringer (PfE), E-002351/26 challenges the planned 180 km overhead power line between East Tyrol and south-east Carinthia, citing risks to Alpine forests, biodiversity, and local residents’ quality of life. The question asks the Commission to assess the project’s compatibility with the Alpine Convention and EU nature restoration laws, and to urge the adoption of underground or underwater cables. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Decarbonisation and Energy Poverty on Greek Islands
In an inquiry regarding the clean energy transition in Greece, E-001724/26 (submitting MEP details not provided in the source document) addresses the historical reliance of Greek islands on oil-fired electricity and the concurrent challenge of energy poverty. In a response on 17 June 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen stated that the Islands Decarbonisation Fund and interconnections aim to reduce fossil-fuel dependence, while noting that Greece benefits from EUR 1.37 billion€1.37BCited figure via the Just Transition Fund and future support from the Social Climate Fund to ensure the lignite phase-out is socially fair for vulnerable households.
❗ State Aid for Innovative Renewable Energy in Italy
Focusing on national support schemes, E-001554/26 (submitting MEP details not provided in the source document) queries the conditions surrounding Italy’s State aid for innovative renewable electricity generation. In a response on 17 June 2026, Executive Vice-President Ribera clarified that the Commission approved the Italian scheme under Decision C(2024)3814, stipulating that any modifications to reference tariffs or technology categories not in line with the decision must be notified to the Commission as new aid before implementation.
❗ Energy Market Volatility and the EU ETS
Addressing the impact of Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions on gas and electricity prices, E-001151/26 (submitting MEP details not provided in the source document) explores the role of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) in the current economic climate. In a response on 19 June 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen emphasised that the ETS is vital for reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, noting it accounts for only around 5% of household electricity prices, and announced that the Commission will present a comprehensive review of the ETS by July 2026.
❗ Windfall Taxes on Energy Companies
Examining the taxation of surplus profits generated during the energy crisis, E-000986/26 (submitting MEP details not provided in the source document) queries the EU’s stance on excess profit taxes and energy independence. In a response on 16 June 2026, Commissioner Hoekstra clarified that direct taxation remains a Member State competence, describing the EU-level solidarity contribution as a temporary emergency measure, while reiterating the Commission’s commitment to the long-term phase-out of Russian fossil fuels under the REPowerEU Gas Regulation.
❓ Spanish Bureaucratic Obstacles to Critical Minerals
Submitted on 8 June 2026 by MEP Alvise Pérez (NI), E-002336/26 criticises Spain’s outdated 1973 Mining Act, arguing that slow authorisation processes and administrative opposition are deterring private investment necessary to meet the targets of the Critical Raw Materials Act. The question asks if the Commission considers Spain to be properly applying the required deadlines and single points of contact, and whether it will support pro-investment reforms over state-run models. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Protection of European Silicon Producers in Spain
Submitted on 4 May 2026 by MEP Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE), E-001811/26 highlights the financial losses and unfair competition faced by Spain’s only silicon plant in Sabón (A Coruña) due to low-cost oversupply from China and Angola. The MEP asks how the Commission will tailor its existing safeguard measures to protect the plant’s workforce and ensure the viability of the sector. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Decarbonisation and Competitiveness of European Steel
Addressing industrial policy and State aid conditions, E-001433/26 (submitting MEP details not provided in the source document) questions whether public support can be tied to the protection of European jobs and the prevention of offshoring. In a response on 15 June 2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné outlined initiatives like the Clean Industrial Deal and the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act to support low-carbon steel, clarifying that while State aid rules cannot mandate claw-backs for offshoring, the framework allows Member States to include social protection requirements and incentivise investments within the European Economic Area.
❓ Accredited Verifier Capacity for CBAM Compliance
Submitted on 8 June 2026 by MEP Peter Agius (PPE), E-002345/26 raises concerns about the availability of accredited third-party verifiers required for the definitive phase of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which began on 1 January 2026. The MEP requests an update on the accreditation process, the publication timeline for the official list of verifiers, and potential interim measures if sufficient capacity is not operational before reporting deadlines. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Macroeconomic Implications of Energy Market Volatility
Investigating the broader economic fallout of the escalating crisis in the Middle East, E-001501/26 (submitting MEP details not provided in the source document) questions the Commission’s response to inflationary pressures and rising financing costs. In a response on 19 June 2026, Commissioner Dombrovskis stated that the Commission is addressing these risks through the AccelerateEU Communication, which promotes targeted support for vulnerable households and advances energy independence, and noted that these considerations inform the 2026 Spring Policy Package and country-specific recommendations.
❗ Energy Prices and Security in the Strait of Hormuz
Focusing on maritime security and global trade routes, E-001403/26 (submitting MEP details not provided in the source document) explores the EU’s response to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. In a response on 16 June 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to freedom of navigation under UNCLOS and highlighted that the AccelerateEU strategy will assist Member States in designing temporary price interventions, while the medium-to-long-term strategy focuses on homegrown clean energy to address the EUR 340 billion€340BCited figure cost of fossil fuel dependence.
❗ Sanctions on Russian Oil and State-Owned Refineries
Concerning the enforcement of EU restrictive measures, E-000702/26 (submitting MEP details not provided in the source document) questions the status of Russian state-owned entities and their European assets. In a response on 19 June 2026, Commissioner Albuquerque detailed that while there is a transaction ban on entities like Rosneft, exceptions exist for subsidiaries under public trusteeship (such as the PCK Schwedt refinery in Germany), and confirmed that Member States must submit diversification plans by 2027 to fully phase out Russian oil imports.
