Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions from Monday, 19 January 2026 and Sunday, 25 January 2026, focusing on key energy and industrial policy areas. The inquiries address a range of critical themes, including the implementation and market impact of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), the governance of national climate plans under the Just Transition Fund, and the strategic direction of the Clean Industrial Deal. Further questions delve into Europe’s industrial competitiveness, supply chain security for critical technologies, and energy security in relation to external partners like Ukraine and Russia.
❗Commission Clarifies Interplay of Steel Safeguards and CBAM
In a response on 19 January 2026 to question E-004266/2025, Commissioner Šefčovič addressed the relationship between the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and proposed measures to tackle global overcapacity in the steel market. The Commission’s October 2025 proposal, which aims to limit free-of-duty quotas and increase out-of-quota duties to 50%, is independent of CBAM. Šefčovič clarified that for the 299 commodity codes covered by both sets of rules, both the tariff measure and the CBAM financial liability would apply, as they pursue distinct policy objectives: addressing overcapacity and carbon leakage, respectively. He also noted a comprehensive review of CBAM was presented on 17 December 2025, proposing to extend its scope to downstream goods.
❗CBAM Scope Extension to Downstream Steel and Aluminium Products Explained
In a reply on 22 January 2026 to P-004806/2025, Commissioner Hoekstra explained the rationale for extending the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to downstream products. He confirmed that on 17 December 2025, the Commission adopted a proposal to amend the CBAM Regulation to include certain steel and aluminium-intensive goods, specifically mentioning several CN codes for nail products. Hoekstra stated that an accompanying impact assessment details the methodology used to select these goods, which quantifies carbon leakage risk and emission intensity to minimise risk while limiting the administrative burden.
❓Impact of CBAM on Fertiliser Imports and Food Prices
In E-000139/2026, submitted on 14 January 2026, Maria Grapini (S&D) raised concerns about the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism’s (CBAM) application to fertilisers. Grapini highlights that the lack of finalised operational details for the mechanism, which enters effect on 1 January 2026, has led to the suspension of import contracts and sharp price increases for nitrogen fertilisers. She asks what action the Commission will take to address the situation, suggesting a postponement to allow the farming sector to secure imports for 2026 production and avoid potential impacts on food prices. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗Commission Clarifies EU ETS Maritime Rules for Outermost Regions
MEPs Sérgio Gonçalves and André Rodrigues (both S&D) asked on 22 October 2025 in E-004153/25 about the application of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) derogation for outermost regions on multi-leg journeys. In a response on 19 January 2026, Commissioner Hoekstra clarified that under EU ETS rules, each voyage segment between two ports of call is treated as a separate voyage. Therefore, if a ship travels from a non-outermost region port to another non-outermost region port before proceeding to an outermost region port within the same Member State, only the second leg of the journey qualifies for the emissions allowance exemption. However, if the intermediate stop is not a ‘port of call’ (e.g., only for refuelling), the entire trip would be considered a single voyage and would qualify for the derogation.
❓Protection Sought for Ceramic Industry Amidst EU ETS Free Allowance Reductions
Leire Pajín and Sandra Gómez López (both S&D) submitted E-000101/2026 on 13 January 2026, raising concerns for Europe’s ceramic industry following the publication of revised limits on free CO2 allowances under the EU ETS. The MEPs argue that the proposed 50% reduction for sectors at risk of carbon leakage, like ceramics, is overly ambitious as the industry lacks technological alternatives for decarbonisation. They ask what the Commission will do to safeguard the sector’s competitiveness and jobs, and if it plans to introduce short-term mechanisms to align ETS conditions with the industry’s technological advancement. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗Commission Confirms Stance on State Aid Combination and Clean Industrial Deal Framework
In a response on 23 January 2026 to P-004558/25, Executive Vice-President Ribera confirmed the Commission’s position on State aid matters. Citing confidentiality regarding ongoing discussions with Member States, Ribera stated that as a general principle, different State aid instruments can be combined as long as the same eligible cost is not aided twice. The Commission also sees no current indication that amendments are necessary for the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF), which was adopted in June 2025.
❓Effectiveness of the Affordable Energy Action Plan Questioned
Jorge Buxadé Villalba (PfE) on 15 January 2026 submitted E-000168/2026, questioning the results of the Commission’s Affordable Energy Action Plan. The MEP notes that despite the plan’s announcement of EUR 45 billion in savings for 2025, electricity bills have risen in countries like Spain. The question asks the Commission to verify if the savings were achieved, to provide evidence that its roadmap will reduce prices by 2026, and to outline the next proposals following the European electricity grids package to lower energy bills for households and businesses. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗Commission Details CAP Support for Greek Agricultural Sector
On 7 November 2025, Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE) asked in E-004422/25 about EU support for the Greek agricultural sector facing high energy costs and extreme weather. In a reply on 19 January 2026, Commissioner Hansen detailed the tools available under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The response highlighted that the Greek CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) provides for direct income support, investments in farm modernisation, risk management tools, and specific support for small and medium-sized farmers, with EUR 175 million allocated annually for redistributive income support. Hansen also noted that Greece has utilized a new measure to help farmers recover from severe weather damages and that the CAP allows for flexibility to meet the specific needs of Greek agriculture, including a dedicated scheme for the Smaller Aegean Islands.
❓Addressing Regional Disparities and NRRP Implementation in Southern Italy
Giuseppe Antoci (The Left) submitted E-000059/2026 on 12 January 2026, highlighting forecasts of widening economic gaps between Italian regions, with Sicily showing particularly low growth. With the NRRP deadline of August 2026 approaching, the MEP asks what concrete measures the Commission will take in 2026 to bolster administrative capacity in Sicily for implementing ERDF and ESF+ funds. The question also asks if the Commission will promote targeted initiatives for SMEs, the green and digital transitions, and youth employment in Southern Italy. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗Hungary’s Delayed Coal Phase-Out and Just Transition Funding
In E-003955/25, submitted on 8 October 2025, Sara Matthieu (Verts/ALE) questioned the consistency of Hungary’s delayed coal phase-out with its 2030 climate targets and the implications for Just Transition Fund (JTF) disbursements. In his response on 19 January 2026, Commissioner Hoekstra noted that the Commission’s assessment of Hungary’s final updated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) found its energy consumption target was not in line with EU directives. The Commission also indicated the NECP does not sufficiently explain its alignment with Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTPs). With a revision of Hungary’s TJTPs currently ongoing, the Commission stated that the possible consequences of the implementation delay cannot yet be assessed.
❓Scrutiny on Key Performance Indicators for the Clean Industrial Deal
Christian Ehler (PPE) submitted priority question P-000126/2026 on 14 January 2026, seeking details on the measurement and progress of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the Clean Industrial Deal. The question asks for the internal processes and methodologies the Commission uses to track each KPI, the expected achievement dates for KPIs without set deadlines, and the progress made so far on each indicator. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓Housing Market Impacts of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
Mathilde Androuët (PfE) submitted E-000089/2026 on 13 January 2026, questioning the impact of Directive (EU) 2024/1275 on the energy performance of buildings. The MEP points to evidence from France suggesting that rules prohibiting the rental of the worst-performing properties are causing a significant number of homes to be withdrawn from the rental market, exacerbating the housing crisis. The question asks if the Commission assessed this impact, whether it sees a contradiction with the Green Deal’s social dimension, and if it will introduce a flexibility clause for Member States. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗Commission Defends Environmental Policy Progress Amidst Challenges
Responding on 21 January 2026 to E-003797/25 on the challenges identified in the ‘Europe’s Environment 2025’ report, Commissioner Roswall acknowledged the need for urgent action but highlighted significant policy successes. The response noted a 37% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 1990 and a near-halving of premature deaths from air pollution. To address slow progress in areas like biodiversity and transport emissions, the Commission pointed to existing measures like the Nature Restoration Regulation and the new ETS for transport and buildings, as well as a forthcoming Circular Economy Act in 2026. The Commission also mentioned that the proposed next MFF includes a 35% climate and environment spending target and that a recent environment omnibus aims to simplify rules and reduce administrative burdens.
❓Call to Strengthen Europe’s Printed Circuit Board and Electronics Manufacturing
A group of MEPs from the PPE group, led by Oliver Schenk, submitted E-000120/2026 on 14 January 2026, highlighting the erosion of Europe’s market share in printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronics manufacturing services (EMS). Citing growing dependency on China, the MEPs ask if the Commission intends to provide targeted support through EU instruments like the Chips Act, how it assesses the impact of the current customs regime, and whether it plans to introduce European-sourcing criteria for critical infrastructure and defence applications. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓Call for EU Measures to Reshore European Industries
Aldo Patriciello (PfE) submitted E-000129/2026 on 14 January 2026, calling for a European strategy to reshore industries that have relocated to third countries. Citing recent geopolitical and energy crises as evidence of the flaws in relying on third-country production, the MEP asks if the Commission will push for measures to encourage companies to return to Europe and if it will offer financial and tax incentives to support reindustrialisation, stable employment, and strategic sectors. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓Question on EU Funding for Mining Project with Environmental Concerns in Sápmi
Emma Fourreau (The Left) submitted E-000115/2026 on 13 January 2026, questioning the EU’s funding of the Nussir copper mine project in Norway under the Critical Raw Materials Act. The MEP notes that the project, designated as strategic by the EU, involves dumping mining waste into a fjord, a practice challenged by Sámi communities and environmental groups. The question asks if the Commission will withhold funding from such projects to meet its environmental commitments and if it will initiate a process to include the Sámi people in EU decision-making procedures. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗Commission Outlines Strategy to Attract and Retain AI and Cleantech Talent
In a 19 January 2026 response to P-004746/25 regarding the attraction of scientific talent, Commissioner Zaharieva outlined several EU priorities. The reply highlights the European framework for research careers, the ‘Choose Europe for Science’ initiative, and excellence-driven programmes like Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and the European Research Council (ERC) as key tools. The Commission noted that MSCA is doubling its funding for AI-focused projects in Horizon Europe to EUR 1 billion over 10 years and that the AI Continent Action Plan aims to expand the EU’s pool of AI specialists. Further measures to facilitate researcher mobility are being considered for the ERA Act, expected in 2026.
❓Concerns Raised Over Russian Involvement in EU Nuclear Fuel Production
In E-000109/2026 submitted on 13 January 2026, Mariusz Kamiński (ECR) raised security concerns about a project involving French company Framatome and a subsidiary of Russia’s Rosatom to produce Russian-type nuclear fuel in Lingen, Germany. The MEP highlights risks of espionage and interference, questioning the project’s compatibility with REPowerEU objectives. The question asks for the Commission’s assessment of the project, whether it considers Russian state-owned nuclear company participation a strategic threat, and if it has observed lobbying activity in support of the project. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗Commission Monitors Corruption Allegations in Ukraine’s Energy Sector
In a response on 21 January 2026 to P-004758/25 regarding corruption in Ukraine’s energy and armament sectors, Commissioner Koś stated that the Commission is closely monitoring developments. The response notes that such cases demonstrate that Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions are functioning and that the EU maintains a zero-tolerance policy. Koś confirmed that anti-corruption issues are addressed in regular policy dialogues, including a sub-committee meeting on 3 December 2025, where Ukraine committed to adopting a strategic framework to fight corruption in the energy sector and to strengthen the independence of its energy regulator.
