Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions submitted and answered between Monday 15 December and Sunday 21 December 2025. Key themes emerging from parliamentary scrutiny include the implementation of renewable energy policies, particularly concerning offshore wind and hydropower, and the build-out of critical energy infrastructure for electric vehicles and grid stability. MEPs also focused heavily on financing mechanisms, market dynamics, and investment, raising questions about energy price disparities, state aid, the EU Taxonomy, and the administrative burden of EU funds. Other significant topics include the regulation of heavy-duty vehicle emissions, the security of critical raw material supply chains, the phase-out of Russian gas, and the application of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). In total, this report analyses 25 questions, of which 15 have received a response from the European Commission, while 10 are still pending.
❓ Concerns over Offshore Wind Yield Estimates
In a question (E-004903/2025) submitted on 10 December 2025, Auke Zijlstra (PfE) cited a new study suggesting that the energy yield from offshore wind farms could be up to 50% lower than previously estimated. The MEP asks the Commission to detail its independent evaluation mechanisms for correcting yield assumptions, disclose the amount of additional public funding allocated to offshore wind since 2020, and state when it will publish a scenario analysis that gives greater weight to nuclear energy and storage to ensure energy security. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Legality of French Hydroelectric Sector Reforms
Marina Mesure (The Left) submitted a question (P-004668/2025) on 21 November 2025 regarding a French plan to create a state-run entity to operate hydroelectric plants. The inquiry seeks to clarify whether creating an aggregator to coordinate these hydroelectric facilities with nuclear power stations is compatible with EU law. The MEP also questions if such an aggregator could be expanded to become a ‘single buyer’ for all of France’s energy production and if a regulated tariff for affordable hydroelectricity would be permissible under a public monopoly. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Clarification on Bio-waste Classification for Garden Clippings
In response to a question (P-004292/25) concerning Italy’s transposition of the Waste Framework Directive (WFD), Commissioner Roswall clarified on 18 December 2025 that biodegradable garden and park waste, such as grass clippings, is correctly classified as ‘bio-waste’. This classification ensures traceability and mandates separate collection as of 31 December 2023. The Commission underlined that this status encourages, rather than prevents, the use of such materials for composting or biogas production and stated there is no evidence of incorrect WFD transposition by Italy.
❗ Commission Outlines Support for Cyprus’s Energy Security and Connectivity
Responding to a question (E-004216/25) on Cyprus’s challenges with insularity, Commissioner Fitto on 18 December 2025 detailed significant EU financial support. This includes an additional EUR 200 million from Cohesion policy funding for 2021-2027, EUR 969 million from the Thalia Programme for the green transition and energy security, and a EUR 657 million grant for the Great Sea Interconnector. The Commission also noted that State aid rules and Public Service Obligations can be used to safeguard the island’s connectivity.
❗ Progress on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure National Plans
In a response on 16 December 2025 to question E-003748/25, Commissioner Tzitzikostas provided an update on the implementation of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR). The Commission confirmed that 22 Member States had submitted their draft national policy frameworks by the 1 December 2025 deadline. For those who had not, the Commission sent reminders in May 2025 and initiated pre-infringement dialogues in September 2025 to ensure compliance.
❗ Voluntary Code of Conduct Favoured for Energy-Smart Appliances
Addressing a question (E-004217/2025) on non-standardised interfaces for smart appliances, Commissioner Jørgensen explained on 19 December 2025 that regulatory action was previously deemed premature. Instead, the Commission initiated a voluntary Code of Conduct with eleven major manufacturers to develop products with common energy-smart features. The Commission is also developing the Common European Energy Data Space to improve system interoperability and is considering adding energy-smart information to energy labels, starting with heaters.
❓ MEPs Scrutinise German Industrial Energy Subsidies
A question (E-004846/2025) submitted on 8 December 2025 by Kosma Złotowski and other ECR members challenges the German Government’s plan to reduce energy prices for industry to EUR 50/MWh. The MEPs express concern that this state support could distort competition in the internal market, particularly for steel industries in neighbouring countries like Poland and Czechia, and ask the Commission to assess its compatibility with EU state aid rules. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Concerns Raised Over High Energy Prices in Greece
Galato Alexandraki (ECR) submitted a question (E-004659/2025) on 21 November 2025 highlighting severe disparities in energy prices across Europe and the significant burden on Greek households. Citing Eurostat data showing Greece has among the highest electricity and gas costs, the MEP asks for the Commission’s assessment of the situation and whether it intends to propose uniform European price stabilisation tools to protect consumers from worsening energy poverty. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ ECB Questioned on Financial Stability Risks of Delayed Climate Action
In two related questions (Z-000020/2025 and Z-000021/2025) submitted on 25 November 2025, Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE) pressed the European Central Bank on the financial stability implications of the EU’s current trajectory for emissions reduction. Citing analysis that existing measures are insufficient to meet 2050 net-zero targets, the MEP asks how much time policymakers have to pivot to a ‘delayed transition’ without adverse consequences and whether bank supervision will include forward-looking assessments of banks’ ability to cope with such a scenario. A response from the ECB is pending.
❓ Commission Probed on EU Funding Red Tape
Auke Zijlstra (PfE) raised concerns on 2 December 2025 about excessive administrative burdens for EU funding programmes in question E-004767/2025. Citing reports of extremely slow payouts from the EU Innovation Fund and high application costs for Horizon Europe, the MEP asks for data on successful Dutch applications, the impact of high costs on SMEs, and what practical, short-term measures the Commission will take to address the ‘dramatic situation’. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission Defends Changes to EU Taxonomy Reporting Rules
In a response on 16 December 2025 to question E-004007/25, Commissioner Albuquerque justified recent changes to the EU Taxonomy reporting requirements. The Commission stated that repealing certain ‘self-classified’ substance requirements was necessary to reduce administrative burden and avoid hindering investment in crucial transition technologies. It also clarified that removing separate templates for fossil gas and nuclear activities, and introducing a 10% materiality threshold, aims to streamline reporting while ensuring transparency.
❗ Infringement Procedures Launched Over ETS2 Transposition
Responding to a question (E-004267/25) on the new emissions trading system for buildings and road transport (ETS2), Commissioner Hoekstra confirmed on 15 December 2025 that the transposition deadline was 30 June 2024. Letters of formal notice, the first step in infringement procedures, were sent on 25 July 2024 to Member States that failed to notify complete transposition. The Commission also encouraged Member States to submit their Social Climate Plans by 30 June 2025 to ensure funding reaches those most affected by ETS2.
❗ European Competitiveness Fund to Ensure Broad Geographical and SME Support
On 17 December 2025, Executive Vice-President Séjourné answered question E-003868/25, outlining how the new European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) will support SMEs and ensure geographical balance. The Commission explained that consolidating several programmes into a single fund will simplify access for SMEs. Support will be provided on the ground via the EU4Business Network, with a focus on strengthening value chains across Member States and deploying the InvestEU instrument through national and international financial institutions.
❗ Commission Confirms ERDF E-Mobility Project Met Objectives
In a reply on 19 December 2025 to question E-004326/25, Executive Vice-President Fitto addressed an inquiry about a specific European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project. The Commission clarified that the selection of operations is a Member State responsibility but confirmed that, according to available information, the project successfully carried out its communication and advisory activities. It contributed to initiatives such as extending the electric vehicle fleet and expanding charging infrastructure in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
❓ MEP Calls for Postponement of CBAM for Fertilisers
Claudiu-Richard Târziu (ECR) submitted a priority question (P-004947/2025) on 15 December 2025 urging the Commission to consider postponing the application of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) for fertilisers, set to begin on 1 January 2026. Citing the sector’s importance for EU food security, high farm costs, and the incomplete technical framework for CBAM, the MEP asks for an updated impact assessment and measures to ensure cost predictability for importers and farmers. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission Confirms Review of Ecodesign for Heaters is Underway
In a response on 17 December 2025 to question E-003586/25, Commissioner Jørgensen clarified that the Commission has not yet issued a proposal for new ecodesign requirements for space heaters and boilers. The Commission is currently conducting an impact assessment, which involves dialogue with industry and stakeholders. It stressed that technical working documents shared during this process do not represent the Commission’s final position and that the full impact assessment will be published once the review is concluded.
❗ Commission Addresses Water Management Challenges in Sicily
Responding to a question (E-003807/25) on 19 December 2025, Commissioner Roswall detailed EU support for water management in Sicily. The Commission confirmed that EUR 154 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for 2021-2027 is allocated to this purpose, alongside four investments in Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Plan. Acknowledging implementation gaps in the Water Framework Directive, the Commission announced it will engage in ‘Structured Dialogues’ with Italy to overcome deficits and enhance compliance.
❓ Call for EU Framework to Recycle Rare Earth Magnets
Pascal Arimont (PPE) submitted a question (E-004858/2025) on 9 December 2025 concerning the EU’s heavy dependence on China for rare earth permanent magnets. Highlighting the lack of a structured EU recycling chain, the MEP asks if the Commission plans to introduce a specific regulatory framework under its RESourceEU plan to establish a domestic magnet recycling sector, potentially including design requirements for easy disassembly and financial incentives for using recycled materials. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission Launches RESourceEU Action Plan to Tackle CRM Dependencies
In a reply on 17 December 2025 to question E-004118/25, Commissioner Kubilius acknowledged that dependencies on critical raw materials (CRMs), particularly in light of China’s export licensing rules, pose a serious security risk. To counter this, the Commission adopted the RESourceEU Action Plan on 3 December 2025. The plan will mobilize EUR 3 billion in EU funds next year to accelerate CRM projects, support circularity, and establish an EU CRM Centre from 2026 for joint purchasing, stockpiling, and monitoring.
❗ Steel Action Plan Focuses on Circular Economy, Not Scrap Export Ban
Executive Vice-President Séjourné clarified on 17 December 2025, in response to question E-003930/25, that the European Steel and Metals Action Plan does not propose a ban on the export of scrap metal. Instead, it considers trade measures to ensure sufficient availability within the EU. The plan’s purpose is to strengthen the circular economy and reduce import dependency by promoting high-quality recycling and creating a single market for secondary raw materials, thereby supporting recyclers and SMEs.
❗ Commission Developing Voluntary Carbon Intensity Label for Steel
Responding to a question (E-004184/2025) on 19 December 2025, Executive Vice-President Séjourné confirmed that the Clean Industrial Deal includes plans for a voluntary label on the carbon intensity of industrial products, starting with steel. The Commission is considering various options to develop a transparent methodology that promotes competitive decarbonisation for both primary and secondary steel producers. This work will serve as a building block for a future mandatory label under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.
Heavy-Duty Vehicles (HDVs)
❓ MEPs Demand Support for HDV Sector Amidst Tough CO₂ Targets
In a question (E-004842/2025) from 8 December 2025, Nicola Zingaretti and other S&D members warned that EU manufacturers face significant fines due to ambitious CO₂ reduction targets for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs). They point to the lack of purchase incentives, high ownership costs, and inadequate charging infrastructure as major obstacles. The MEPs ask what measures the Commission will adopt to enforce infrastructure targets, reduce ownership costs, and ensure sales volumes can meet the targets. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Call to Expedite Review of HDV CO₂ Targets for Planning Certainty
Andreas Schwab and Jens Gieseke (PPE) submitted a question (E-004860/2025) on 9 December 2025 requesting greater regulatory predictability for the heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) sector. Citing business concerns over investment strategies, they ask if the Commission will bring forward the planned 2027 review of CO₂ fleet emission targets to 2026. They also ask if the Commission will review the proportionality of penalties for manufacturers and how it will ensure future CO₂ targets are more closely linked to the actual availability of charging infrastructure. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission Reaffirms Commitment to Phasing Out Russian Gas
In a response on 16 December 2025 to question E-003536/25, Commissioner Jørgensen stated that while the REPowerEU plan has driven significant diversification away from Russian gas since 2022, remaining imports (around 13%) still pose a significant security risk. The Commission welcomed the Council’s agreement on a legislative proposal to gradually phase out Russian gas and the 19th sanctions package, which includes a ban on Russian LNG. Cooperation with partners like the United States on diversification continues.
❗ Commission Addresses Data Limitations on Russian Gas Payments
Responding to a question (E-002985/25) on 19 December 2025, Commissioner Jørgensen explained the complexities of tracking payments for Russian gas. While Eurostat’s COMEXT database provides aggregate data on import volumes and values at the EU’s initial entry point, it does not reflect the ultimate destination of gas traded within the single market. The Commission noted that details on payments by individual Member States would require access to confidential contracts and highlighted that proposals under REPowerEU aim to improve transparency and traceability.
