Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) published in the week of Monday, 16.03.2026, to Sunday, 22.03.2026. Key themes dominating the agenda include the EU’s response to rising energy prices driven by geopolitical instability in the Middle East, the integrity and application of the Emissions Trading System (ETS), and the broader push for industrial competitiveness through the circular economy and strategic supply chains. Other significant topics include the development of renewable energy infrastructure, cross-border energy and transport projects, and the governance of critical raw materials. In total, this report analyses 22 PQs, of which 7 have been answered by the Commission, while 15 await a response.
MEPs have urgently questioned the Commission on its strategy to mitigate the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on EU energy prices and security. Questions focus on potential emergency measures, such as price caps and solidarity contributions. The EU’s relationship with Russia and strategic partnerships for raw materials also remain under scrutiny.
❓ Countering a potential energy price shock from the war in Iran
In E-000986/2026, submitted on 10.03.2026, Fabio De Masi (NI) highlights the spike in oil prices following the conflict in Iran and the risk of further shocks from potential LNG disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. The question asks for the Commission’s assessment of national excess profit taxes, similar to the one proposed in Italy in 2022, and whether the Commission is reconsidering its decision to end energy supplies from Russia. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ The Middle East crisis’ impact on energy prices and the potential use of extraordinary EU measures
A group of MEPs led by Letizia Moratti (PPE) submitted P-001009/2026 on 11.03.2026, expressing concern over the global energy shock caused by the Middle East conflict. They ask the Commission what immediate measures it will adopt to address rising energy costs, whether it is considering suspending the Growth and Stability Pact, and if it plans to deploy common EU instruments like joint gas purchases, price caps, or suspending the ETS for the thermoelectric sector to strengthen the Union’s energy security. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Measures to address the surge in energy prices
In P-001060/2026, submitted on 13.03.2026, Rasmus Andresen (Verts/ALE) notes that Brent crude oil has exceeded USD 100 per barrel and asks about the EU’s exposure to global price shocks. The question seeks to know what steps the Commission is considering to permanently establish a solidarity contribution on fossil fuel companies’ excess profits, what form a reintroduction of price caps could take, and what options are being considered to end Europe’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Energy crisis and impact on citizens and businesses
Aldo Patriciello (PfE) submitted E-001011/2026 on 11.03.2026, highlighting the sharp increase in electricity, gas, and fuel costs due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The question asks if the Commission intends to set up an extraordinary European fund to help Member States contain the impact on households and businesses, and if it envisages adopting specific EU-wide measures, such as a price ceiling for fuels and energy supplies. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ EU energy crisis contribution
In E-001022/2026, submitted on 11.03.2026, Fabio De Masi (NI) directly asks if the Commission is considering reactivating the EU energy crisis contribution, as was previously applied in 2022, in response to rising oil and gas prices resulting from the conflict in Iran. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Urgent action for fisheries and agriculture following recent gasoil price spikes
Anna Maria Cisint (PfE) submitted E-000953/2026 on 09.03.2026, drawing attention to the surge in gasoil prices affecting the primary fisheries and agriculture sectors due to the war in Iran. The question asks if the Commission will take urgent action to support the sector, possibly by approving state aid as it did in 2022, or implement measures to offset energy costs, such as co-financing the cost of gasoil. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Hungary’s energy negotiations with Russia – implications for EU sanctions and support for Ukraine
In E-000949/2026, submitted on 07.03.2026, Krzysztof Brejza (PPE) raises concerns about a high-level meeting between Hungary’s Foreign Minister and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss energy supplies. The question asks the Commission to assess the compatibility of these bilateral negotiations with the EU’s sanctions regime, whether such actions undermine the EU’s common position, and what measures the Commission can take to ensure Member States’ energy arrangements do not weaken EU sanctions or collective energy security. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Status of the EU-Rwanda Critical Raw Materials MoU
In response to P-004850/25, submitted on 8 December 2025 by Majdouline Sbai (Verts/ALE) and others regarding Parliament’s request to suspend the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Critical Raw Materials with Rwanda, the Commission provided an answer. In his reply on 13 March 2026, Commissioner Síkela stated that the MoU is a non-binding framework for dialogue and its implementation has not started. He noted that the Foreign Affairs Council placed the MoU under review and the Commission found its objectives on transparency and traceability still relevant, but that it should only be implemented once tangible progress is made. The Commissioner affirmed that the MoU is compatible with the Conflict Minerals Regulation and that EU engagement in the region’s mineral sector should be strengthened, not limited, to promote peace and responsible sourcing. A final decision from the Foreign Affairs Council on the review is still pending.
The lifecycle management of renewable energy assets is a growing concern, with MEPs probing the Commission on its rules for the decommissioning and recycling of offshore wind infrastructure to ensure alignment with circular economy principles.
❓ Decommissioning and recycling of offshore wind turbines
Auke Zijlstra (PfE) submitted E-000992/2026 on 10.03.2026, raising concerns about the high costs of decommissioning offshore wind farms and the practice of only partially removing foundations. The question asks if the Commission considers cutting foundations to six metres below the water surface as full decommissioning, whether this is compatible with EU waste management and circular economy rules, and if the Commission is considering specific EU guidelines for the complete removal and recycling of these installations. A response from the Commission is pending.
The focus in this area is on the implementation of existing directives, cross-border cooperation on infrastructure projects, and emerging threats. Questions address the correct transposition of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, progress on key TEN-T rail corridors, management of shared water resources, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
❓ Implementing the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
In P-001059/2026, submitted on 13.03.2026, Isabella Lövin (Verts/ALE) questions the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in Sweden. The MEP notes that the Swedish authority has proposed using ‘weighting factors’ that deviate from the Commission’s methodology for ‘primary energy factors’, potentially disadvantaging the most energy-efficient solutions. The question asks the Commission to clarify the difference between these factors and how it will ensure the EPBD’s implementation promotes energy efficiency and decarbonisation. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Timetable and EU framework for the Porto-Vigo high-speed rail line
Catarina Martins (The Left) submitted E-000935/2026 on 06.03.2026 regarding the Porto-Vigo high-speed rail line. Citing contradictory statements on the project’s completion date, the MEP asks for the official EU-level timeline, whether the Commission is monitoring cooperation between Portugal and Spain, and for an assessment of the impact a potential postponement to 2038 could have on territorial cohesion and sustainable mobility goals. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission expects decision on Alpine Railway Highway support in Q1 2026
In response to E-004745/25 from Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D), submitted on 1 December 2025, concerning the authorisation of support measures for the Alpine Railway Highway (AFA) service between Italy and France, the Commission provided an update. In his reply on 13 March 2026, Commissioner Tzitzikostas confirmed that French and Italian authorities have pre-notified an aid measure for the service. He stated that exchanges are well advanced and a final decision on the matter is expected in the first quarter of 2026.
❓ New inter-state agreement between Greece and Bulgaria on the waters of the Arda River and compliance with EU law
Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D) submitted E-000969/2026 on 09.03.2026, raising concerns about the lack of a new binding agreement on water management for the cross-border Arda River after the previous one expired. The question asks if EU law obliges an upstream Member State to ensure sufficient water flow, if directives require transparency in such bilateral arrangements, and whether an unpublished ‘joint statement’ without clear legal effects complies with EU principles of transparency and legal certainty. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Cybersecurity breach in Spain
In E-000973/2026, submitted on 09.03.2026, Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez (PPE) highlights a recent hack of Spanish police and National Security Council systems. The question asks for the Commission’s view on the threat such breaches pose to EU security, what support measures are envisaged to make Member States more resilient, and whether Spain’s failure to transpose the NIS 2 Directive leaves it in a vulnerable position. A response from the Commission is pending.
Scrutiny of climate and innovation financing mechanisms is intense. MEPs are questioning the proper use of ETS revenues by Member States, the technical parameters for adjusting free allowances, and the potential risks of the Commission’s new investment funds.
❓ Use of Emissions Trading System revenues and Italian ‘Energy Decree’
A group of MEPs led by Annalisa Corrado (S&D) submitted E-000946/2026 on 07.03.2026. They raise alarm over reports that Italy may have used only 9% of its ETS auction revenues for climate purposes between 2012-2023, instead of the required 50%, and query a new Italian ‘Energy Decree’ that neutralises the ETS carbon price for gas plants. The MEPs ask if the Commission is aware of the revenue gap, has assessed the decree’s compatibility with EU rules, and what steps it will take to ensure compliance. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Increase in the Modernisation Fund by 0.5% of the total quantity of allowances
Adam Jarubas (PPE) submitted P-000955/2026 on 09.03.2026, asking for an update on the determination of the uniform cross-sectoral correction factor (CSCF) for the adjustment of free emission allowances for the 2026-2030 period. The question asks for the current state of work and the scheduled date for the adoption of the Commission’s decision. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Risk of losses and failures as the Commission picks winners and losers
In E-000950/2026, submitted on 08.03.2026, Dick Erixon (ECR) and colleagues question the new Scaleup Europe Fund. Citing past investment failures by public bodies, they ask what proportion of the fund’s initial EUR 5 billion will be public tax revenue, what the investment selection criteria are, and whether the Commission sees risks in politicians choosing winners and losers instead of the market. A response from the Commission is pending.
Maintaining the competitiveness of EU industry is a central theme, with questions covering the circular economy, support for specific sectors like white goods manufacturing, and ensuring a level playing field for imports. The implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act and its impact on indigenous communities is also being closely watched.
❗ Commission addresses regulatory conflicts between circular economy and single market rules
In response to E-000414/26 from Maria Guzenina (S&D), submitted on 2 February 2026, which highlighted regulatory conflicts for circular businesses like refurbished electronics, the Commission clarified its position. In a reply on 13 March 2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné stated that the current New Legislative Framework (NLF) offers the necessary flexibility and does not create barriers to circularity, noting that a full conformity assessment is only required for ‘substantial modifications’. He assured that the upcoming revision of the NLF and the forthcoming Circular Economy Act are intended to ensure full coherence between circular economy objectives and single market rules.
❗ Commission outlines support for EU’s white goods manufacturing sector
Dariusz Joński (PPE) asked in E-000381/26 on 29 January 2026 how the Commission intends to protect the EU’s white goods manufacturing sector from aggressive non-EU competition and rising raw material costs. In a response on 18 March 2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné outlined a range of initiatives, including the Competitiveness Compass, the Clean Industrial Deal, and the Industrial Accelerator Act, designed to support EU industry. He also mentioned the forthcoming Circular Economy Act and the implementation of the Net-Zero Industry Act and Critical Raw Materials Act as measures that will support the sector’s competitiveness and help it face global challenges.
❗ Commission to strengthen market surveillance to ensure level playing field for imports
In response to E-005012/25 from Daniel Buda (PPE), submitted on 18 December 2025, regarding the competitive disadvantage for EU producers due to lower standards for third-country imports, the Commission detailed its plans. In a reply on 17 March 2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné explained that the revision of the Market Surveillance Regulation, as part of a European Product Act (EPA), aims to close regulatory loopholes. Measures will include stricter accountability for representatives of foreign manufacturers, clearer compliance requirements across the supply chain, and using tools like the Digital Product Passport (DPP) to enhance checks. The EPA and customs reform are expected to reinforce the capabilities of EU customs to control goods entering the Union.
❗ Commission clarifies funding and consultation for Critical Raw Materials Act projects
In a joint answer to questions E-000115/26 and E-000116/26 from Emma Fourreau (The Left), submitted on 13 January 2026, concerning the Nussir copper mine project in Norway and its impact on Sámi communities, the Commission provided clarification. In his reply on 16 March 2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné stated that recognition as a Strategic Project under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) does not grant automatic EU funding or a permitting decision, which remains a national competence. He noted that project applications affecting indigenous peoples must include a plan for meaningful consultation. The Commission also highlighted its regular engagement with Sámi communities through projects like Interreg’s ‘Filling the EU-Sápmi knowledge gaps’ and confirmed that Horizon Europe will devote EUR 36 million to research on substituting critical raw materials.
