Overview
This report covers the publication window from 19.04.2026 till 26.04.2026. The parliamentary questions (PQs) submitted and answered during this period highlight several core themes critical to public affairs professionals, including the ongoing debate over Emissions Trading System (ETS) reforms, the competitiveness of European heavy industries (such as steel, batteries, and silicon), and the deployment of renewable energy alongside necessary permitting simplifications. Additionally, energy security remains a high priority, with scrutiny on the phase-out of Russian gas, the Great Sea Interconnector, and the taxation of windfall profits. In total, this report covers 34 PQs, of which 13 have been answered by the Commission and 21 remain pending.
❗ Repowering Photovoltaic Systems and State Aid
In E-000940/26, submitted by Joachim Streit (Renew) on 6 March 2026, the Commission was asked about the status of its state aid assessment regarding Germany’s Solar Package I, which allows operators to repower older PV systems without losing their original remuneration rate. In a response on 22 April 2026, Executive Vice-President Ribera confirmed that the Commission had been in contact with German authorities regarding the Renewable Energy Law (EEG 2023) amendments. She noted that Germany had committed to introducing a claw-back clause to limit windfall profits as a condition for state aid authorisation, and emphasised that the Commission has two months from the receipt of a complete notification to issue a decision, though specific details of the ongoing notification remain confidential.
❓ Hydropower Project Threatening Biodiversity
In E-001454/2026, submitted by Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE) on 9 April 2026, the MEP raised concerns over the construction of a pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant on the Tambre River in Galicia, citing local opposition, destruction of farmland, and potential violations of the Habitats Directive and the Aarhus Convention. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Dismantling and Recycling of Offshore Wind Farms
In E-001439/2026, submitted by Galato Alexandraki (ECR) on 9 April 2026, the Commission was asked whether the current EU framework is sufficient to require the full dismantling of offshore wind farms in Greece without abandoning infrastructure on the seabed, and whether binding EU rules on recycling composite materials will be proposed. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Noise from Wind Farms and Public Health
In E-001519/2026, submitted by Zala Tomašič (PPE) on 15 April 2026, the MEP questioned the Commission on regulatory gaps regarding noise emissions from wind farms, specifically asking if there are plans to propose EU rules or guidelines for measuring low-frequency noise and infrasound to protect public health. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Data Centres and Energy Colonialism in Sicily
In E-001491/2026, submitted by Giuseppe Antoci (The Left) on 13 April 2026, the MEP raised concerns that the proliferation of energy- and water-intensive data centres in Sicily could lead to digital and energy colonialism, diverting local renewable energy away from decarbonising public services. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ State Aid Disbursement Delays for IPCEIs
In E-000814/26, submitted by a Member of the European Parliament, the Commission was questioned regarding delays in the disbursement of state aid for Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs). In a response on 20 April 2026, Executive Vice-President Ribera clarified that the disbursement of state aid after Commission approval is the sole responsibility of the respective Member State. She noted that the Joint European Forum for IPCEI (JEF-IPCEI) has published best practices to prevent delays and is developing a dashboard to monitor implementation based on annual reports.
❗ GBER and State Aid for Energy-Intensive Undertakings
In E-000427/26, submitted by Wouter Beke (PPE) on 3 February 2026, the MEP highlighted that energy-intensive undertakings in difficulty are excluded from essential state aid measures under the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER), putting their solvency at risk. In a response on 17 April 2026, Executive Vice-President Ribera stated that undertakings in difficulty are manifestly insolvent or nearing bankruptcy, making state aid severely distortive. However, she noted that the Commission is revising the GBER to simplify it and that existing rules have been amended to expand support possibilities for energy-intensive users.
❗ Use of EU Funds and the DNSH Principle in Island Regions
In E-000584/26, submitted by Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D) on 11 February 2026, the Commission was asked how it ensures the ‘do no significant harm’ (DNSH) principle is applied to large-scale tourism and energy investments in Greek island regions. In a response on 23 April 2026, Executive Vice-President Fitto explained that Member States must ensure programmes comply with the DNSH principle before submission and are responsible for selecting individual projects that respect territorial specificities, including insularity.
❓ Cost of Capital for Renewable Energy Firms
In Z-000009/2026, submitted by Bruno Gonçalves (S&D) on 23 March 2026, the European Central Bank was asked if it has researched market failures regarding the financing of renewable energy investments, noting that renewable producers often face higher interest rates than non-renewable producers. A response from the European Central Bank is pending.
❓ Taxation of Windfall Profits in the Energy Sector
In O-000019/2026, submitted by Bruno Gonçalves (S&D) and multiple co-signatories on 17 April 2026, the Commission was urged to propose a temporary solidarity contribution on large energy companies benefiting from windfall profits due to the Middle East conflict and supply restrictions. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ EPPO Report and NextGenerationEU Fraud
In E-001431/2026, submitted by Alexander Jungbluth (ESN) on 8 April 2026, the MEP referenced the European Public Prosecutor’s Office 2025 annual report, which estimated EUR 5.07 billion in damages related to NextGenerationEU fraud, and asked what structural vulnerabilities the Commission has identified in green transformation funding. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Cohesion Funds for Households and Businesses
In E-001443/2026, submitted by Georgios Aftias (PPE) on 9 April 2026, the Commission was asked if it will provide additional cohesion fund grants to SMEs and households facing skyrocketing electricity costs due to the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. A response from the Commission is pending.
Emissions Trading System (ETS)
❗ Suspending the ETS Due to Energy Costs
In P-000901/26, submitted by a Member of the European Parliament, the Commission was asked if it plans to suspend the ETS to alleviate energy costs exacerbated by the Middle East conflict. In a response on 21 April 2026, Commissioner Hoekstra confirmed the Commission has no plans to suspend the ETS, noting that a review is planned by July 2026 to set the emissions cap beyond 2030, and highlighted the proposed European Grids Package and Clean Industrial Deal to lower energy prices.
❗ ETS Suspension and Carbon Leakage
In E-000454/26, submitted by Marcin Sypniewski (ESN) on 4 February 2026, the MEP asked if the Commission would temporarily suspend the ETS due to declining competitiveness and carbon leakage risks. In a response on 17 April 2026, Commissioner Hoekstra reiterated that there are no plans to suspend the ETS, pointing to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) as the primary tool against carbon leakage, and referencing the Affordable Energy Action Plan to support industry.
❓ ETS Benchmark Update Proposal
In E-001561/2026, submitted by Elisabetta Gualmini (Renew) and co-signatories on 16 April 2026, the Commission was asked if its upcoming ETS benchmark update proposal will fulfill President von der Leyen’s commitment to address industry concerns and introduce an ‘ETS investment booster’. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Appropriateness of Implementing ETS2
In P-001472/2026, submitted by Mihai Tudose (S&D) on 10 April 2026, the MEP questioned whether the Commission plans to conduct an assessment on the impact and appropriateness of introducing ETS2 in 2028, given the severe energy price crisis and geopolitical shocks affecting purchasing power. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ ETS Impact on Spain’s Ceramic Industry
In E-001558/2026, submitted by Jorge Buxadé Villalba (PfE) on 15 April 2026, the MEP asked if the Commission intends to take specific action to mitigate the adverse effects of a planned 34% reduction in free ETS allocations on the Spanish ceramic sector. A response from the Commission is pending.
Maritime & Permitting
❗ EU MRV and ETS Frameworks for Offshore Shipping
In P-001316/26, submitted by Benoit Cassart (Renew) on 30 March 2026, the Commission was asked about structural gaps in applying the MRV Regulation and ETS Directive to offshore vessels. In a response on 24 April 2026, Commissioner Hoekstra acknowledged the specific nature of offshore activities, noting that the Commission has included clarifications in guidance documents and is assessing additional measures in the ongoing review of the ETS Directive to facilitate compliance ahead of 2027.
❗ IMO Net Zero Framework Delay and EU Maritime Regulations
In P-004296/25, submitted by Rosa Serrano Sierra (S&D) on 3 November 2025, the MEP asked how the delay in the IMO’s net zero emissions framework would impact the EU maritime ETS and FuelEU Maritime regulations. In a response on 22 April 2026, Commissioner Tzitzikostas stated that the EU will continue to pursue global solutions within the IMO and will revise relevant EU legislation in line with existing legal commitments to avoid double payment once global measures are adopted.
❓ Romania’s Implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act
In E-001568/2026, submitted by Martin Günther (The Left) on 16 April 2026, the Commission was asked if it intends to initiate an EU Pilot procedure regarding Romania’s Law L143/2026, which NGOs claim introduces expedited expropriation and restricts judicial review in violation of EU law. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Permitting Challenges and an EU Permitting Omnibus
In P-001551/2026, submitted by Wouter Beke (PPE) on 15 April 2026, the MEP asked how the Commission will follow up on the European Council’s call for a comprehensive ‘Permitting Omnibus’ to systematically address permitting barriers rooted in strict EU environmental legislation. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Innovation Fund and EV Battery Manufacturing
In E-003795/25, submitted by a Member of the European Parliament, the Commission was asked about support for EV battery manufacturing. In a response on 17 April 2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné outlined up to EUR 3 billion from the Innovation Fund, a EUR 200 million top-up to InvestEU, and proposed EU content requirements under the Industrial Accelerator Act to ensure European industry remains competitive.
❗ Critical Raw Materials Act and Greenland Partnership
In P-000831/26, submitted by Morten Løkkegaard (Renew) on 27 February 2026, the Commission was asked how it will address ECA findings on supply chain dependencies and leverage the strategic partnership with Greenland. In a response on 22 April 2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné highlighted the RESourceEU Action Plan, which mobilises EUR 3 billion, and noted specific support for mining projects in Greenland, including molybdenum and graphite extraction, as well as an upcoming investment package for Greenland’s infrastructure.
❗ Buy European Policy and the Industrial Accelerator Act
In E-000899/26, submitted by Siegbert Frank Droese (ESN) on 4 March 2026, the Commission was asked if its ‘Buy European’ policy amounts to protectionism. In a response on 17 April 2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné stated that the Industrial Accelerator Act introduces targeted ‘Union origin’ requirements for strategic sectors in public procurement but remains fully in line with the EU’s international commitments and WTO rules, without discriminating against third-country suppliers.
❓ Self-Sufficiency in Sustainable Aviation and Maritime Fuels
In E-001230/2026, submitted by Merja Kyllönen (The Left) on 24 March 2026, the Commission was asked if it intends to introduce specific measures to speed up investment in synthetic fuels (e-SAF) and ensure raw material supplies for bio-SAF to reduce import dependencies. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Synthetic Fuel Shortage and Bio-Aviation Fuel Flexibility
In E-001573/2026, submitted by Piotr Müller (ECR) on 16 April 2026, the MEP questioned how the Commission plans to optimise the use of mature bioSAF technologies to mitigate the risk of a supply gap caused by barriers to the deployment of synthetic fuels (eSAF) by 2030. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Battery Plant Project in Šurany
In P-001506/2026, submitted by Miriam Lexmann (PPE) and Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE) on 14 April 2026, the MEPs raised environmental concerns regarding a Chinese battery plant project in Slovakia, alleging manipulation of toxic NMP concentration data in the environmental impact assessment. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Steel Sector Decarbonisation and Industrial Strategies
In E-001540/2026, submitted by Estelle Ceulemans (S&D) on 15 April 2026, the Commission was asked how it assesses the credibility of decarbonisation pathways of major steel groups like ArcelorMittal, and what tools it will use to prevent carbon leakage and ensure publicly funded green investments remain in Europe. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Public Support and Offshoring in the Steel Sector
In E-001433/2026, submitted by Bruno Tobback (S&D) and Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D) on 8 April 2026, the MEPs asked how the Commission will ensure that substantial public subsidies for steel companies are tied to local employment and decarbonisation, and whether claw-back procedures will be introduced for companies that offshore activities. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Competitiveness of the EU Coking Industry
In P-001571/2026, submitted by Patryk Jaki (ECR) on 16 April 2026, the Commission was asked if it is analysing the impact of the EU ETS on the coking sector and whether it plans to introduce mechanisms to level the playing field against cheaper non-EU imports. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Silicon Metal Safeguard Measures
In E-001503/2026, submitted by Nicolás González Casares (S&D) on 14 April 2026, the MEP asked if the Commission will reassess the exclusion of silicon metal from safeguard measures, noting that European producers are suspending production due to dumping prices from China and Angola. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Great Sea Interconnector and Eastern Mediterranean Security
In E-000494/26, submitted by Fidias Panayiotou (NI) on 6 February 2026, the Commission was asked about measures to secure the Great Sea Interconnector project between Greece and Cyprus amidst Turkish interventions. In a response on 16 April 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen affirmed strong support for the EUR 657 million Project of Common Interest, noting the Commission is reviewing the EU’s energy security framework and remains committed to safeguarding Member States’ sovereign rights in accordance with international law.
❗ CJEU Action Against the REPowerEU Regulation
In E-000547/26, submitted by Petra Steger (PfE) on 10 February 2026, the MEP questioned the use of qualified majority voting for the REPowerEU Regulation’s ban on Russian gas imports, which prompted legal action from Hungary and Slovakia. In a response on 16 April 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen clarified that the regulation is a trade and energy policy measure (Articles 207 and 194 TFEU), not a foreign policy sanction, and stated that the Commission is working intensively with both countries to facilitate a secure transition away from Russian gas.
❓ Regulatory Approach to Gas and Coal for Energy Security
In E-001522/2026, submitted by Piotr Müller (ECR) on 15 April 2026, the Commission was asked to justify its restrictive regulatory approach to gas and coal under the taxonomy and ETS2, and whether it would consider revising this approach towards technological neutrality to ensure supply stability amidst geopolitical shocks. A response from the Commission is pending.
