This report provides a summary of parliamentary questions (PQs) submitted by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) concerning energy and climate policy and the EU Commission’s answers published between Monday 17 and Sunday 23 November 2025. The key themes covered include the development of renewables like solar and biomethane, the security and modernisation of energy infrastructure, grids, and storage, and the frameworks for financing, markets, and investment, including State aid and the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). Further questions address overarching regulation and governance, such as the implementation of the Green Deal and specific directives, challenges facing industrial supply chains in the automotive and silicon sectors, and matters of energy security, particularly in relation to Ukraine and the Eastern Mediterranean. In total, 33 PQs are covered in this report, of which 10 have been answered by the European Commission and 23 are awaiting a response.
❗ Distortion of Competition from ‘Virtual Liquefaction’ of Biomethane
In E-003417/25, submitted on 4 September 2025, MEPs Engin Eroglu and Christine Singer (Renew) raised concerns that ‘virtual liquefaction pathway models’ for biomethane under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) create a purely accounting-based relabelling of fossil LNG. They argue this practice conceals emissions, disadvantages European producers of physically produced bio-LNG, and creates investment uncertainty. In a response on 21 November 2025, Commissioner Jørgensen confirmed that the upcoming update to Annexes V and VI of the RED will cover liquefaction. He stated that the Union Database will ensure the traceability of both physical and virtual liquefaction, including all related greenhouse gas emissions, thereby preventing discrimination against EU facilities and ensuring fair treatment across different methods.
❓ Safety and Environmental Risks of Floating Solar Parks
Following an incident where a floating solar park caught fire off the Dutch coast, MEP Sander Smit (PPE) submitted P-003901/2025 on 3 October 2025. The question asks if the Commission, in light of the precautionary principle, is considering an immediate moratorium on new floating solar parks. It also queries whether a ban on their roll-out will be included in the Ocean Pact and asks for the Commission’s stance on settled case-law requiring the immediate halt of projects with serious environmental risks. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Management of Biodegradable Waste for Biomass Energy in Italy
In P-004292/2025, submitted on 31 October 2025, MEPs Dario Tamburrano, Danilo Della Valle, and Mario Furore (The Left) question Italy’s compliance with EU waste legislation. They highlight a 2024 Italian ministerial decree that allows biodegradable garden and park waste, such as prunings and branches, to be used in biomass plants for incentivised renewable energy production. The MEPs argue this practice effectively de-classifies this material as waste, contradicting Directive 2008/98, and ask the Commission to clarify if Italy is correctly transposing the directive and what action it intends to take. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Investment and Waste Management Costs for Nuclear Power
On 29 August 2025, MEP Günther Sidl (S&D) submitted E-003334/25, asking about the financial contributions the Commission intends to make towards the estimated EUR 240 billion needed by 2050 for Member States’ nuclear energy plans. The query also sought cost estimates for risk prevention, safety measures, and additional final nuclear waste repositories. In his reply on 21 November 2025, Commissioner Jørgensen clarified that the Commission does not provide direct funding from the EU budget for investments in nuclear energy production. He confirmed the EUR 240 billion figure originates from the eighth Nuclear Illustrative Programme (PINC) and that the overall EU cost estimate for managing all radioactive waste is around EUR 300 billion, a financial responsibility that rests with the Member States through national funds.
❓ Regulatory Obstacles for Critical Grid Infrastructure
MEP Pietro Fiocchi (ECR) submitted P-002370/2025 on 12 June 2025, highlighting regulatory uncertainty for European grid operators regarding procurement choices for electrical switchgears under the F-gas Regulation. The question asks if the Commission plans to simplify the regulation’s provisions and whether these clarifications will be part of the announced energy omnibus package. It also seeks a timeline for the Commission’s assessment of the switchgear market before considering requirements under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Under-funding of Natural Gas Transmission Infrastructure
In P-003363/2025, submitted on 2 September 2025, MEP Mihai Tudose (S&D) raises concerns about the under-funding of the EU’s natural gas transmission infrastructure, which he describes as a key sector for energy security. The question asks for the Commission’s stance on valuing the energy security component more highly in financing applications under the Modernisation Fund and on introducing natural gas infrastructure as a transition tool to replace coal-fired heating by amending the Climate Delegated Act. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Legal and Financial Fallout from Paks II Nuclear Plant Ruling
Following the Court of Justice’s annulment of the 2017 Commission decision approving State aid for the Paks II nuclear power plant in Hungary, MEP Eszter Lakos (PPE) submitted P-003652/2025 on 22 September 2025. The question asks about the immediate effects of the judgment on existing contracts, particularly those with Russian entities, and what steps the Commission will take to reassess the State aid approval. It also queries what options and course of action the Commission recommends for Hungary to ensure compliance with EU law while protecting its energy security. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ European Reserve Fleet for Repairing Subsea Power Cables
MEP Bart Groothuis (Renew) submitted E-004479/2025 on 12 November 2025, addressing the vulnerability of subsea power cables to hybrid threats and the structural shortage of specialist repair vessels. The question asks about the steps taken by the Commission since its February 2025 Action Plan to develop a multi-purpose ‘EU Cable Vessels Reserve Fleet’. It also seeks details on the planned administrative and operational structure for this fleet and how it will be funded in coordination with other maritime and energy programmes. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Transposition of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in Portugal
On 12 November 2025, MEP Paulo Cunha (PPE) submitted E-004497/2025, raising concerns from Portugal’s distribution and retail sectors about the transposition of the EPBD. The question highlights that current requirements are seen as disproportionate and costly, failing to account for the sector’s specific characteristics. It asks if the Commission is considering including the EPBD in future omnibus proposals for simplification and whether it would adopt dedicated guidelines for the sector to ensure a balanced application of the directive. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Bolstering Production of Energy-Efficient Building Materials
In E-004516/2025, submitted on 13 November 2025, MEP Mihai Tudose (S&D) references ‘The Copenhagen Commitment’, a call from 70 companies and associations for a supportive regulatory framework for energy-efficient building technologies. The question asks what measures the Commission is considering to bolster the EU’s production capacity for these materials and technologies to reduce import dependency, noting the sector’s significant revenue and employment potential. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Transparency and Conditions of State Aid
In E-003763/2025, the Commission was asked about transparency requirements for State aid and whether job creation is a condition for receiving such aid. In a response on 17 November 2025, Executive Vice-President Ribera confirmed that Member States must publish detailed information on individual aid awards on a comprehensive website, a requirement reinforced by the Transparency Award Module. She noted that from 2026, this obligation will extend to de minimis aid. While State aid rules are designed to prevent undue distortion of competition, they can include conditions related to job creation, for instance under regional aid or the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework, and Member States are free to add their own additional conditions.
❗ Commission Guidance on Spanish Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) Revisions
MEP Isabel Benjumea Benjumea (PPE) submitted three related questions (E-003777/25, E-003776/25, E-003773/25) concerning delays and revisions to Spain’s RRP. The questions focused on the feasibility of submitting remaining payment requests by the deadline, the possibility of further amendments, and options for scaling down the plan. In separate but coordinated responses on 18 and 19 November 2025, Executive Vice-President Fitto stated that all milestones must be implemented by 31 August 2026. He confirmed that Member States can revise their RRPs due to objective circumstances and noted that the Commission has encouraged all Member States to engage in a comprehensive revision to streamline their plans, explore all options to safeguard their allocation, and prepare for final payment requests, with Commission services in constant contact with Spanish authorities to assist.
❓ Concerns Over NGO Funding and Lobbying Activities
In P-002320/2025, submitted on 10 June 2025, MEP Friedrich Pürner (NI) raises allegations regarding the Commission’s financial support to NGOs, citing a European Court of Auditors report on a lack of transparency. The question asks what consequences will be drawn in specific cases involving environmental NGOs, when grant agreements will be published, and what measures are planned to increase transparency and control, specifically regarding the LIFE programme’s work programme for 2025-2027. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Implementation Challenges and Delays in Italy’s NRRP
A large group of S&D MEPs, led by Dario Nardella, submitted P-002482/2025 on 20 June 2025, expressing concern over delays in implementing Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The question highlights strategies being considered to meet deadlines, such as entrusting fund management to other state entities. It asks the Commission about common implementation challenges across Member States, what specific corrective measures will be taken to support Italy, and what will happen to any non-disbursed funds. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ High Energy Costs for Energy-Intensive Industries in Poland
On 17 September 2025, MEP Tobiasz Bocheński (ECR) submitted P-003578/2025, highlighting that energy-intensive industries in Poland face significantly higher energy costs than competitors outside the EU, citing the ETS system and limited access to cheap renewables. The question asks what measures the Commission is taking to mitigate the negative effects of the ETS in Member States like Poland and whether it is considering altering the compensation mechanisms for indirect ETS costs to increase their effectiveness for companies in Central and Eastern Europe. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Risks from Abolishing the Stand-alone LIFE Programme
MEP Nikolas Farantouris (The Left) submitted E-004460/2025 on 11 November 2025, raising concerns about the Commission’s proposal in the next Multiannual Financial Framework to abolish the free-standing LIFE programme. The question argues that integrating only some of its actions into broader funds without a dedicated budget weakens its focus and risks defunding targeted action for nature, biodiversity, and climate. It asks the Commission to justify this proposal and guarantee that such targeted actions will not be left without funding. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Addressing the Environmental Investment Gap
In a related question, E-004461/2025, also submitted on 11 November 2025 by Nikolas Farantouris (The Left), he points to the Commission’s fourth Environmental Implementation Review, which identified an environmental investment gap of EUR 122 billion per year. The question asks what measures the Commission has taken to address this gap, whether it will provide tailored assistance to Member States, and how it justifies the absence of a specific environmental programme like LIFE in its proposal for the next MFF. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Compatibility of German Industrial Energy Price with EU State Aid Rules
MEP Fabio De Masi (NI) submitted P-004558/2025 on 14 November 2025, questioning the legality of Germany’s plan to launch an industrial electricity price for energy-intensive companies. The query notes that these companies already benefit from an electricity price compensation measure and that EU law may prevent benefiting from more than one aid measure. It asks if launching the new price without limiting the existing compensation would breach EU State aid rules and whether adjustments to the framework are necessary to allow both instruments to be used in parallel. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ EU Climate Leadership and Economic Growth
In E-003473/25, the Commission was asked about the impact of its 2040 emissions reduction target. In a response on 20 November 2025, Commissioner Hoekstra emphasized that global commitments have already reduced projected warming and that EU leadership, enshrined in the European Climate Law, is crucial for avoiding uncontrolled climate change. He stated that investments in decarbonisation are necessary regardless, providing certainty, boosting strategic autonomy, and limiting the far greater costs of climate inaction. He highlighted that the Clean Industrial Deal and Net-Zero Industry Act are turning decarbonisation into a growth driver, noting that the EU has reduced its net greenhouse gas emissions by 37% compared to 1990 while its economy grew by 71% over the same period.
❓ Concerns Over Political Favouritism in Green Deal Implementation
MEP Daniel Obajtek (ECR) submitted P-002242/2025 on 4 June 2025, alleging that the Commission applies double standards to Member State leaders regarding criticism of the Green Deal. The question claims that the publication of a CO₂ emissions report unfavorable to Poland was postponed for political reasons. It asks the Commission if the report was delayed for political reasons, if it applies the same standards to all leaders, and what mechanisms are in place to tackle political favouritism. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Regulatory Uncertainty for Decarbonisation Projects under RED
In P-002752/2025, submitted on 7 July 2025, MEP Kris Van Dijck (ECR) highlights the case of the Steelanol project in Belgium, which aims to convert steel production gases into ethanol but has failed to obtain the Recycled Carbon Fuel (RCF) sustainability label. The question argues that the Renewable Energy Directive’s calculation methods, which consider the CO2 intensity of the national electricity grid, distort the level playing field and penalize projects in some Member States. It asks the Commission to justify this approach and explain how it will ensure innovative decarbonisation projects in Belgium are not hampered. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Quantifying the Impact of the EU’s 2040 Climate Target
MEP Sander Smit (PPE) submitted P-003042/2025 on 23 July 2025, asking the Commission to specify exactly how many degrees Celsius of global warming will be prevented by the EU’s intermediate target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040. The question also asks how the Commission will ensure that implementing measures comply with the Paris Agreement’s requirement that climate action not threaten food production. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Oversight of EU Funds and Mismanagement in Romania
On 23 September 2025, MEPs Harald Vilimsky and Georg Mayer (PfE) submitted P-003685/2025, citing an investigative report accusing the Romanian managing authority for environmental support of selectively awarding funding from the ‘Casa Verde’ programme under REPowerEU. The question asks what mechanisms the Commission has to oversee the use of EU funds, whether it is aware of systemic weaknesses or political interference in Romania, and what conclusions have been drawn from OLAF and EPPO investigations into the misuse of EU funds in the country. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Impact of IMO’s Delayed Net-Zero Framework on EU Maritime Sector
MEP Rosa Serrano Sierra (S&D) submitted P-004296/2025 on 3 November 2025, following the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decision to postpone the adoption of its international net-zero emissions framework by one year. The question raises concerns about a potential double regulatory burden from the co-existence of EU measures (maritime ETS, FuelEU Maritime) and future IMO provisions. It asks for the Commission’s strategy during this transitional year and how it envisages the evolution of EU regulations and the competitiveness of the European maritime sector in the absence of a global framework. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Revision of CO₂ Emission Standards for Cars and Vans
A group of PPE MEPs led by Massimiliano Salini submitted P-002795/2025 on 9 July 2025, expressing serious concerns about the Commission’s public consultation on revising CO₂ standards for cars and vans. They criticize the expected timeline for the proposal (Q2 2026) as too slow and the narrow interpretation of technological neutrality, which focuses only on e-fuels. The question asks if the Commission intends to bring the revision forward to the end of 2025 and align the revision timeline for heavy-duty vehicles with that of light-duty vehicles. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Support for the EU Chemicals Industry
On 10 July 2025, MEP Mihai Tudose (S&D) submitted P-002823/2025, welcoming the Commission’s action plan for the chemicals industry. The question asks if the Commission, as part of its new approach, is considering stimulating new or existing production capacities in EU regions endowed with raw materials, specifically mentioning Romania’s substantial natural gas resources. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Protecting the Strategic European Silicon Industry
A group of S&D MEPs led by Pierre Jouvet submitted P-003550/2025 on 15 September 2025, highlighting the crisis in the European silicon industry, which is a critical raw material for strategic sectors. They point to an economic slowdown combined with US tariffs and a surge in Chinese overcapacity undercutting European production. The question asks what mechanisms the Commission intends to put in place to protect the industry, whether it will adopt specific anti-dumping measures, and what support it is preparing for industrial SMEs. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Future of the EU Automotive Sector and the ‘Own E-car’ Concept
MEP Kosma Złotowski (ECR) submitted P-003560/2025 on 16 September 2025, noting growing calls from the automotive sector to review the 2035 ban on new combustion cars due to financial difficulties and pressure from Chinese competitors. The question asks if the Commission will channel additional resources to support the industry or consider withdrawing the ban. It also seeks details on how the President’s State of the Union concept of Europe’s ‘own E-car’ will be translated into tangible actions, including its budget and potential cost. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Consumer Transparency for Primary Battery Capacity
In E-004444/2025, submitted on 10 November 2025, MEP Benoit Cassart (Renew) points out that while Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 requires capacity information for rechargeable batteries, the same does not apply to primary (non-rechargeable) batteries. This lack of information, he argues, prevents product comparisons and undermines market transparency. The question asks the Commission to explain this discrepancy and state whether it intends to extend the capacity labelling requirement to primary batteries to improve consumer information. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Assessing the Impact of EU Tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles
On 13 November 2025, MEP Francisco José Millán Mon (PPE) submitted E-004513/2025, asking for an assessment of the definitive tariffs on imports of electric vehicles from China, which entered into force on 30 October 2024. The question asks the Commission how it assesses the impact of these tariffs on imports, whether imports have decreased compared to the last five years, and what effects the tariffs have had on the prices of Chinese electric vehicles in the EU. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ EU Support for Eastern Mediterranean Energy Autonomy and Security
In E-003228/25, submitted on 12 August 2025, MEP Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE) questioned whether Greece’s national interests and energy resource exploitation were being sacrificed for ‘green’ commitments and asked what measures were being taken to prevent geopolitical threats from Türkiye. In his response on 21 November 2025, Commissioner Jørgensen affirmed the right of Member States to determine the exploitation of their energy resources under the TFEU. He stressed the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding sovereign rights in line with international law and stated that abstaining from unilateral actions is essential for stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. He highlighted EU support for regional cooperation and financially supported projects like the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), a Project of Common Interest receiving a EUR 657 million grant.
❗ EU Sanctions Targeting Russia’s Shadow Fleet
In E-003761/25, the Commission was asked about measures against Russia’s shadow fleet used to circumvent oil sanctions. In her reply on 18 November 2025, Commissioner Albuquerque detailed that the Council has adopted several restrictive measures, resulting in 557 vessels being subject to a port access ban and other service prohibitions. She noted that the EU has strengthened its ability to impose asset freezes and travel bans on individuals and entities supporting the shadow fleet, with several designations already made. Tackling circumvention is a key priority, and while Member States are responsible for enforcement, the Commission is monitoring the situation and stands ready to support them.
❓ Legal Basis of the EU-US Deal on Tariffs and Trade
Following the announcement of a deal between Commission President von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump on 27 July 2025, MEP Friedrich Pürner (NI) submitted P-003152/2025 on 30 July 2025. The question asks for the legal basis on which the President negotiated the deal, its legally binding nature given it was reportedly concluded “by handshake,” and whether written contractual documents exist. It also queries the current status of negotiations and how the European Parliament will be involved. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Greece’s Role in Eastern Mediterranean Energy Security
MEP Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE) submitted E-004299/2025 on 3 November 2025, describing Greece as a key pillar of stability and energy connectivity in the Eastern Mediterranean. The question asks the Commission to confirm its overall strategy for energy autonomy in the region and Greece’s role within it. It also queries how the Commission intends to support critical projects like LNG stations and undersea cables, and what financing mechanisms are envisaged for the security of Greek energy infrastructure against geopolitical threats. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Urgent Aid for Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure
On 11 November 2025, MEP Liudas Mažylis (PPE) submitted E-004463/2025, highlighting that over 50% of Ukraine’s electricity generation capacity has been destroyed or damaged by Russian attacks. The question asks what urgent measures the Commission is taking to help Ukraine restore its energy infrastructure ahead of winter, whether it plans to establish a technical assistance mechanism involving Member States and international partners, and if new sanction packages against Russia are being planned. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Safeguards for EU Financial Support to Ukraine’s Energy Sector
Citing recent reports of a high-level criminal organisation exposed in Ukraine’s energy sector, MEP András Gyürk (PfE) submitted P-004505/2025 on 12 November 2025. The question asks if the Commission has contacted Ukrainian authorities to determine if EU taxpayers’ money was impacted by this corruption case. It also queries what safeguards the Commission will implement to ensure EU support is used for its intended purposes and whether the Commission stands by its assessment that Ukraine is ready to open all thematic clusters for EU accession negotiations. A response from the Commission is pending.
