Overview
This report provides an analysis of Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission responses published in the week of Monday, 23.03.2026, to Sunday, 29.03.2026. Key themes under scrutiny by Members of the European Parliament include the implementation and impact of EU regulations such as the Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the security of energy infrastructure, and the competitiveness of European industry amidst high energy prices and global instability. Further topics include the financing of the green transition, the development of renewable energy projects, and the security of critical raw material supply chains. This report covers a total of 48 Parliamentary Questions, of which 20 have received a response from the European Commission and 28 are pending.
❗ Offshore Wind Yield Assessments and State Aid
In a response on 23 March 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen clarified that the Commission does not evaluate the yield from offshore wind farms, as this is a matter for Member States during planning and auctioning. For the question E-004903/2025, the Commission stated that State aid for offshore wind is granted only to the extent necessary, typically allocated through competitive bidding to minimize public support. The Commission also affirmed its commitment to technology neutrality and using high-standard scientific evidence when formulating policies, noting that upcoming energy modelling scenarios will include Member States’ updated plans for nuclear power.
❗ Renewable Projects in Natura 2000 Areas in Greece
Responding to question P-000806/26 on 27 March 2026, Commissioner Roswall stated that renewable projects can be permitted in Natura 2000 areas if they comply with the Habitats Directive, assessed on a case-by-case basis. The Commission confirmed an ongoing infringement procedure against Greece because its Special Framework for spatial planning for renewables did not undergo an appropriate assessment. A reasoned opinion was sent in February 2023, and the Commission is in close contact with Greek authorities, reserving the right to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union if Greece fails to comply.
❓ Implementation of CJEU Judgment on Wind Power Projects
Adrián Vázquez Lázara (PPE) submitted a question on 19 March 2026 regarding the implementation of a Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) judgment concerning environmental assessments for wind power projects (E-001168/2026). The MEP notes that despite a 2025 CJEU ruling clarifying public access requirements for sectoral reports, the High Court of Justice of Galicia has continued to suspend court proceedings for wind farm authorisations, creating legal uncertainty. The question asks if the Commission is monitoring compliance with the judgment and what measures it could take to ensure proper implementation. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ High Cost of Biofuel for Inland Waterway Transport
In a question submitted on 11 March 2026 (E-001025/2026), MEPs Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR) and Kris Van Dijck (ECR) raised concerns about the significant price increase of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biofuel for the inland waterway transport sector. They note that the price hike, partly a consequence of the RED III Directive, is making sustainable navigation less attractive and causing some operators to revert to fossil fuels. The MEPs ask if the Commission shares their concern that this could stall sustainability efforts and what solutions it proposes. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Effect of ECB Interest Rate Hikes on Renewable Investments
Lara Wolters (S&D) and Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE) submitted a question to the European Central Bank on 12 March 2026 (Z-000008/2026) regarding the impact of interest rate hikes on strategic investments in renewable energy. Citing research showing that rising policy rates decrease installed capacity for wind and solar, the MEPs ask if the ECB agrees that fossil fuel dependence makes the EU vulnerable to supply shocks that threaten price stability. They also inquire about policy instruments the ECB is exploring to curb potential inflation from the war in Iran without hindering the deployment of renewables. A response from the European Central Bank is pending.
❗ EU Strategy for Grids and Cross-Border Projects
In a 23 March 2026 answer to question E-005011/2025, Commissioner Jørgensen outlined the Commission’s strategy to modernise and expand energy grids. He highlighted the European Grids Package and the Energy Highways initiative, both published in December 2025, as key measures to integrate cheaper clean energy and accelerate electrification. The Grids Package aims to streamline planning and permitting, while the eight Energy Highways address strategic infrastructure needs. The Commissioner also noted the adoption of the second Union list of 235 Projects of Common Interest and Projects of Mutual Interest, which will enhance energy connectivity and contribute to completing the Energy Union.
❗ Public Participation in Energy Infrastructure Projects
Commissioner Jørgensen, in a response on 23 March 2026 to question E-005019/2025, confirmed that the TEN-E Regulation establishes minimum standards for transparency and public participation in Projects of Common and Mutual Interest (PCIs/PMIs). These include requirements for project promoters to create a public participation concept, conduct at least one public consultation at an early stage, and report on how public opinion was considered. The Commissioner also mentioned the Pact for Engagement, which works to strengthen public engagement, and noted that the European Grids Package proposal restates these requirements and introduces new provisions for benefit sharing and dialogue facilitation for renewable energy projects.
❗ EU Funding for Spanish Rail Infrastructure
Responding on 26 March 2026 to question E-000322/2026 about the balance of EU funding in Spain between new rail infrastructure and maintenance, Mr Dombrovskis clarified the Commission’s role. He stated that the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) is a performance-based instrument, and the responsibility for proposing specific reforms and investments lies with national authorities to ensure national ownership. The Commission’s role is to assess the compliance of the Spanish Recovery and Resilience Plan with the RRF Regulation. He directed the MEPs to the annex of the Council Implementing Decision for the full list of investments Spain committed to under its plan.
❓ Turkish Obstruction of Greece-Cyprus Interconnector
Yannis Maniatis (S&D) submitted a question on 16 March 2026 (E-001072/2026) concerning Türkiye’s obstruction of the Great Sea Interconnector project between Greece and Cyprus. The MEP reports that the Turkish Navy has interfered with a cable-laying vessel working on the EU-funded SEA-SPINE project. Given the increasing importance of maritime zones for the EU’s green and digital transitions, the question asks what measures the Commission is considering to defend EU interests against illegal actions by non-EU countries and whether the Greek Government has officially informed the Commission of these events. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Risks to the Chiren Gas Investigation in Bulgaria
On 19 March 2026, Nikola Minchev (Renew) submitted a priority question (P-001159/2026) regarding the investigation into the EU-funded Chiren gas storage expansion in Bulgaria. The MEP raises concerns that corruption allegations against a European prosecutor from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) may be a coordinated effort to obstruct the case. The question asks if the Commission is aware of this risk, what measures will be taken to ensure the investigation continues independently if the prosecutor is dismissed, and how the Commission will address deficiencies in the national selection procedure for European prosecutors. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Commission Stance on Nord Stream Attack Investigation
Fabio De Masi (NI) asked the Commission on 6 March 2026 (E-000944/2026) about its position following a December 2025 decision by the German Federal Court of Justice. The MEP notes the court claimed that the suspects in the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage were most probably acting on behalf of a foreign state, implied to be Ukraine. Recalling President von der Leyen’s statement that any deliberate disruption of European energy infrastructure would lead to the “strongest possible response,” the MEP asks for the Commission’s opinion on the court’s statement and what further steps it plans to take. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Legal Framework for Electricity Capacity Mechanisms
In a 27 March 2026 reply to question E-004811/25, Commissioner Jørgensen outlined the general EU legal framework for capacity mechanisms (CMs), declining to comment on specific ongoing cases. He stated that the Electricity Regulation and State aid guidelines require CMs to be justified by an identified adequacy concern, be open to all technologies, allow cross-border participation, and avoid supporting capacities exceeding emissions limits. He also noted that the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) established a fast-track approval process for CMs that meet best practice requirements, including the use of derating factors to account for the real contribution of different technologies.
❗ Brexit Adjustment Reserve Transfers to REPowerEU
Executive Vice-President Fitto, in a 27 March 2026 response to question E-000521/2026, explained that the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) is implemented under shared management by Member States. He noted that the possibility to transfer BAR resources to other instruments like REPowerEU was introduced to provide flexibility. France voluntarily chose to transfer part of its allocation to its REPowerEU chapter to fund national priorities, such as energy renovation in buildings and zero-fossil industries. The Commission will evaluate the BAR instrument by June 2027 and submit an implementation report by June 2028.
❗ Cohesion Policy Funding for Disaster Recovery
Responding to question E-000284/26 on 26 March 2026, Executive Vice-President Fitto confirmed that Cohesion policy is the main EU funding source for climate adaptation and risk management, with over EUR 18 billion planned for 2021-2027. He noted that this support is granted to cities, municipalities, and regional authorities, with nearly 12% of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) specifically earmarked for integrated urban development strategies. While Cohesion funds do not directly target agricultural disease control, the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plans and sectoral interventions, such as the recent Wine Package, can help farmers manage such risks.
❗ EU Funding for Affordable Housing
Commissioner Jørgensen clarified on 23 March 2026, in response to question E-000097/2026, that the European Affordable Housing Plan’s reference to mobilising at least EUR 43 billion for housing relates to the current multiannual financial framework (MFF). This amount includes funds from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, Cohesion Policy, ESF+, InvestEU, LIFE, and Horizon Europe. As the future MFF for 2028-2034 is still under negotiation, the Commissioner stated it is not yet possible to indicate specific amounts for housing or funds directly available to local governments.
❓ Fossil Fuel Phase-Out by EU Export Credit Agencies
On 9 March 2026, Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D) questioned the Commission (E-000966/2026) on the implementation of fossil fuel phase-out commitments by EU export credit agencies (ECAs). The question asks what specific support, including guidance, monitoring, or enforcement, the Commission is providing to strengthen Member States’ commitments. It also seeks the Commission’s assessment of the compatibility of continued ECA support for fossil fuels with EU climate objectives and inquires about engagement with ECAs that may still consider supporting the Mozambique liquefied natural gas project. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Share of ETS Costs in Electricity Prices
Anna Bryłka (PfE) submitted a question on 19 March 2026 (E-001151/2026) asking the Commission to provide the percentage share of ETS costs in the price of electricity that it uses in its own analyses and reports. The MEP requests figures for each Member State, with a price breakdown for ‘households’ and for ‘others’. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Industrial Electricity Prices and the Electrification Action Plan
Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE) asked the Commission on 11 March 2026 (E-001029/2026) what measures it intends to include in the upcoming EU Electrification Action Plan to address persistently high industrial electricity prices. The question highlights a call from an alliance of 13 major industrial players to prioritise restoring competitive electricity prices, supporting a reference price of EUR 50/MWh as the maximum total cost for industry. The MEP warns that high prices risk delaying decarbonisation and accelerating deindustrialisation. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Supporting High-Growth Companies in Central and Eastern Europe
On 17 March 2026, Andi Cristea (S&D) submitted a question (E-001089/2026) on fostering the emergence of globally competitive companies in Central and Eastern Europe. The MEP asks if the Commission assesses whether EU funding instruments sufficiently support the scaling-up of these companies, whether it intends to develop specific financial instruments under InvestEU or other programmes for this purpose, and how it plans to ensure better access for these companies to EU innovation, investment, and industrial policy instruments. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Social Fairness in EU Climate Policies and ETS
In a 20 March 2026 response to question E-000246/2026, Commissioner Hoekstra affirmed that social and distributional aspects are addressed in EU climate policies. He highlighted the polluter-pays principle in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the use of auction revenues by Member States to support those most affected. The Just Transition Mechanism focuses on regions needing economic diversification. He confirmed that private jets and large yachts are included in the ETS, and the new ETS for buildings and road transport (ETS2) is supported by the Social Climate Fund, which will devote over EUR 86 billion to address energy and transport poverty.
❗ Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) Flexibility
Commissioner Jørgensen, on 23 March 2026, responded to question E-000089/2026 by clarifying that the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) does not ban the renting of worst-performing buildings or impose obligations to renovate individual residential buildings. He noted that the impact assessment showed proposed measures will help reduce energy bills for vulnerable households. The directive gives Member States significant flexibility to address social and territorial specificities through tailored national measures and financial incentives, supported by EU funding instruments like the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the Social Climate Fund.
❗ Single Market Barriers and the European Product Act
Responding to question P-000368/26 on 20 March 2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné acknowledged that Single Market integration has plateaued, citing energy price volatility and persistent administrative barriers. He stated that the forthcoming European Product Act proposal aims to create synergies between standardisation, conformity assessment, and market surveillance to ensure coherent product rules. Following the informal EU leaders’ retreat in February 2026, the Commission will present a ‘One Europe, One Market Roadmap and Action Plan’ with concrete targets to reduce administrative burdens and build a unified market, including for energy.
❗ Water Management and Agricultural Resilience in Greece
In a 27 March 2026 reply to question E-000581/2026, Commissioner Roswall explained that the Water Framework Directive gives Member States discretion on institutional frameworks for water management. She highlighted that the European Water Resilience Strategy recommends a coordinated approach to reservoirs. While there are no plans for specific Commission Guidelines on reservoirs, the updated Greek Recovery and Resilience Plan provides for a National Water Strategy. The Commissioner noted that EU funds from Cohesion Policy, Horizon Europe, and the Common Agricultural Policy can support investments in public water systems and agricultural water resilience.
❓ Infringement Procedure Against Italy on Building Energy Performance
Anna Maria Cisint (PfE), Aldo Patriciello (PfE), and Isabella Tovaglieri (PfE) submitted a question on 17 March 2026 (E-001085/2026) concerning the infringement procedure against Italy regarding Directive (EU) 2024/1275 on the energy performance of buildings. The MEPs argue that the directive’s ambitious targets place a significant economic burden on households in Italy, which has an old building stock and a high proportion of privately owned property. They ask if the Commission considers it appropriate to continue the proceedings without a proper assessment of the economic and social impact and if more flexibility should be provided for Member States with historic building stock. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ CBAM Implementation and Shortage of Verifiers
Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR) on 17 March 2026 questioned the Commission (E-001096/2026) about the implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). He highlights that a lack of accredited verifiers forces companies to use higher default values for embedded emissions, creating uncertainty for CBAM declarants. The MEP asks if the Commission agrees that a shortage of verifiers has disproportionate consequences, what it is doing to encourage the registration of new verifiers, and whether it will apply a more flexible default value for companies unable to find an accredited verifier. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Fertiliser Costs, Tariffs, and CBAM Impact on Farming
On 13 March 2026, Carmen Crespo Díaz (PPE) raised concerns (E-001063/2026) about the impact of volatile fertiliser prices on the competitiveness of EU agriculture. The question asks if the Commission plans to remove current tariffs on fertiliser imports from Trinidad and Tobago and the US, and if it intends to suspend the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) for fertilisers for a five-year transitional period to prevent further cost increases. The MEP also asks if the Spanish Government has requested these support measures. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Interpretation of Habitats Directive for Construction Projects
Stefan Köhler (PPE), in a priority question submitted on 18 March 2026 (P-001149/2026), seeks clarification on the interpretation of the Habitats Directive, particularly regarding species protection in construction projects in Germany. The MEP asks if the Directive allows for compensatory measures carried out at a different time, whether a project delay can eliminate the reasonableness of an advance compensatory measure, and if a state-managed species protection fund can be considered an effective way to prevent a deterioration in the conservation status of populations under Article 16(1) of the Directive. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Support for the European Chemical Sector
In a 19 March 2026 answer to a priority question (P-000556/26) on the crisis in the European chemical industry, Executive Vice-President Séjourné outlined several short-term support measures. These include extending the EU ETS State aid guidelines for indirect cost compensation to more chemical sectors, providing temporary electricity price relief under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework, and proposing simplification measures through various Omnibuses. The Commission has also introduced a system to monitor chemical imports and launched 25 trade defence investigations. Additionally, a Critical Chemicals Alliance has been created to work on priorities like lead markets, as highlighted in the Industrial Accelerator Act proposal.
❗ Energy Consumption of Cryptocurrency and AI
Responding to question E-004535/2025 on 23 March 2026, the Commission acknowledged the impact of cryptocurrency mining and AI on EU policy objectives. It estimated the EU’s 2025 energy use for crypto mining at 11 TWh (0.38% of total consumption), which could decrease to around 6 TWh/year by 2050 due to efficiency gains. AI data centres accounted for 1.5% of global electricity demand in 2024, a figure expected to grow. The Commission noted that both sectors source a significant share of their electricity from renewables, and the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation has introduced transparency obligations on climate impacts.
❗ EU Cloud and AI Development Act
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen, in a 23 March 2026 reply to question E-000349/2026, confirmed that the Commission will present a proposal for a Cloud and AI Development Act. The Act aims to facilitate the development and adoption of European cloud and AI technologies, particularly in the public sector, to address reliance on third countries. It will promote investment and simplify permitting to triple EU data centre capacity by 2030. The rationale is based on an estimated EUR 75 billion infrastructure investment gap and the fact that US hyperscalers dominate about 70% of the European market.
❗ CO2 Emission Targets for Light Commercial Vehicles
In a 20 March 2026 response to question E-004581/2025, Commissioner Hoekstra detailed proposed amendments to CO2 targets for vans. The Commission has proposed to amend the 2030 CO2 emission reduction target for van manufacturers from 50% to 40% and to assess compliance over the 2030-2032 period instead of annually, aiming to relieve short-term pressure. From 2035, a 90% tailpipe emissions reduction target is proposed, with the remaining 10% to be compensated through e-fuels, certain biofuels, and low-carbon steel, allowing some hybrid and internal combustion engine vehicles to remain on the market.
❗ Competitiveness and Affordability in the Automotive Sector
Commissioner Hoekstra on 23 March 2026 addressed question E-000253/2026 regarding rising vehicle prices. He acknowledged that EU vehicle prices have increased slightly faster than inflation due to factors like higher energy costs and component shortages. The Commission has taken measures to support industry competitiveness and affordable clean vehicles through initiatives like the Industrial Accelerator Act and the Critical Raw Materials Act. The proposal to amend CO2 standards for cars provides flexibility and supports the deployment of small, affordable electric cars through ‘super credits’, while confirming that electric vehicles have a cheaper total cost of ownership.
❓ Implementation Gaps in Critical Raw Materials Policy
Morten Løkkegaard (Renew) submitted a priority question on 27 February 2026 (P-000831/2026) following a European Court of Auditors (ECA) report warning that the EU remains overly dependent on non-EU countries for critical raw materials. The ECA noted that diversification efforts have yet to yield tangible results. The MEP asks what concrete corrective actions the Commission will take in response to the ECA’s findings and how it will accelerate tangible diversification of supply chains, including through extraction projects in Greenland. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Ensuring Stable Supply of Critical Raw Materials by 2030
In a related question on 11 March 2026 (E-001028/2026), Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE) also referenced the recent European Court of Auditors report on critical raw materials. The MEP points out that the EU is fully dependent on imports for 10 of the 26 materials needed for the energy transition, recycling rates are low, and mining projects face long lead times. He asks what additional measures the Commission intends to propose to ensure that the 2030 targets on diversification, recycling, and domestic extraction can be realistically achieved. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Industrial Accelerator Act and Regulatory Complexity
Fulvio Martusciello (PPE) questioned the Commission on 18 March 2026 (E-001101/2026) about the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act. The MEP expresses concern that the new measures, such as European origin criteria in public procurement and new authorisation procedures, could add to regulatory complexity, which is already a major barrier to industrial investment in the EU. The question asks if the measures are properly weighted against this risk, if provisions have been made for realistic implementation, and how the Commission intends to define and apply the “European preference” in public procurement. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Persistent Imports of Russian Aluminium and Other Commodities
A group of Renew MEPs led by Bart Groothuis submitted a question on 13 March 2026 (E-001061/2026) regarding persistent EU imports of Russian strategic commodities like fertilisers, nickel, and especially aluminium. They argue this undermines sanctions and harms European producers. The MEPs ask why these imports remain high, what concrete actions the Commission will take to address them (such as an indirect ban on products containing Russian primary aluminium), and how transparency and accountability will be ensured. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ The ‘Antwerp Declaration’ and Industrial Competitiveness
On 11 March 2026, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE) submitted a question (E-001030/2026) about the ‘Antwerp Declaration’, in which over 500 European business leaders warned of an existential crisis for EU industry due to high electricity prices, administrative burdens, and unfair competition. The declaration called for ‘intelligent regulation’, faster permitting, and better access to finance. The MEP asks what specific legislative and financial measures the Commission intends to propose in the short to medium term to ensure the survival, competitiveness, and decarbonisation of European industry. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Scientific Basis for ‘Small Zero-Emission Vehicles’ Threshold
Andreas Schwab (PPE) on 13 March 2026 questioned the Commission (E-001053/2026) on the scientific basis for the 4.20-meter length threshold for the new category of ‘small electric vehicles’ proposed in the automotive Omnibus package. This category would receive a preferential factor in CO2 fleet calculations. The MEP asks for the methodological justification for this discrete threshold, which creates an abrupt impact, and how the Commission will ensure that differentiation by length adequately reflects actual energy efficiency and environmental impact. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Progress of REPowerEU and Energy Security Framework
In a 23 March 2026 response to question E-004968/2025, Commissioner Jørgensen reported significant progress under REPowerEU in reducing dependence on Russian fossil fuels. Russian gas imports fell from 45% in 2022 to 12% in 2025, while coal was phased out and oil imports dropped from 27% to 2%. He credited energy efficiency improvements and a 55% increase in renewable energy deployment between 2021 and 2024 for contributing to lower energy prices. The Commission’s priorities now include the Affordable Energy Action Plan, the Grids Package, and a revision of the Energy Security Framework to ensure the EU’s energy system is resilient to supply disruptions.
❗ Diversification of Nuclear Fuel Supply from Russia
Commissioner Jørgensen, on 23 March 2026, addressed question E-000109/2026 concerning a joint venture between Framatome and Rosatom/TVEL. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to moving away from Russian supplies in the nuclear sector, following a coordinated and gradual approach. Euratom is financially supporting the development of alternative VVER fuels with a EUR 20 million investment in research projects led by Westinghouse and Framatome. The Commission and the Euratom Supply Agency continue to highlight the risk of dependence on any single supplier in the nuclear value chain.
❓ Maritime War Risk Insurance and European Energy Security
Bart Groothuis (Renew) submitted a priority question on 20 March 2026 (P-001180/2026) about the structural vulnerability in the market for maritime war risk insurance. The MEP notes that the withdrawal of war risk cover for the Persian Gulf by major insurers has brought tanker traffic to a standstill. He asks if the Commission acknowledges this as a vulnerability for European energy security, whether the issue has been discussed in the Joint EU-UK Financial Regulatory Forum, and if the Commission is considering policy options for a public backstop for such risks. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Impact of Iran Crisis on EU Fuel Prices
On 20 March 2026, Loucas Fourlas (PPE) asked the Commission (E-001175/2026) about the impact of hostilities in Iran on fuel prices within the EU. The MEP expresses concern that European citizens and businesses are facing further energy price pressures in an already difficult economic context. The question asks for the Commission’s assessment of the impact, what measures it intends to take to protect consumers from further increases, and whether a plan exists for a coordinated energy intervention in the event of a protracted crisis. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Risk of Rising Food Prices Due to Energy Instability
Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left) submitted a question on 16 March 2026 (E-001076/2026) about the risk of rising food prices due to energy and fertiliser price increases linked to instability in the Strait of Hormuz. The MEP warns that this could further increase production costs in agriculture, which would be passed on to farmers and consumers. He asks what immediate measures the Commission will take to support farmers, how it will prevent these costs from being passed on to food prices, and what initiatives it will take to reduce the dependence of European agriculture on volatile international energy markets. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Risks from Drifting Russian Tanker near Malta and Italy
Thomas Bajada (S&D) and Giuseppe Lupo (S&D) raised concerns on 18 March 2026 (E-001110/2026) about the Russian tanker ‘Arctic Metagaz’, which is reportedly damaged and drifting in international waters between Malta and the Italian Pelagie Islands. The MEPs highlight the risks of marine pollution and threats to critical infrastructure. They ask what support the Commission has provided to Malta and Italy, how it assesses the risks to vulnerable island territories, and if it intends to strengthen EU preparedness for similar incidents involving high-risk vessels. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ EU Response to US Easing of Sanctions on Russian Oil
Fernand Kartheiser (NI) submitted a priority question on 17 March 2026 (P-001092/2026) regarding recent temporary measures by the United States to ease sanctions on Russian oil. The MEP asks for the Commission’s assessment of the potential impact of these US measures on the effectiveness and coherence of the EU’s own sanctions regime. The question also inquires whether the Commission plans to review or adjust EU sanctions policy in response and what steps are being taken to improve coordination with allies to reduce the EU’s high energy prices. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Carbon Surcharges for Shipping Companies Amid Security Crises
A group of PfE MEPs led by Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain asked the Commission on 17 March 2026 (E-001091/2026) about the rising costs for European shipping companies due to security situations like the one in the Strait of Hormuz. They note that rerouting increases not only fuel and insurance costs but also carbon credit costs under the EU ETS. As current rules do not allow for exemptions for emissions from ships rerouting for safety reasons, they ask what measures the Commission intends to take to protect European shipping from these rising carbon costs. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Promoting Remote Working to Reduce Energy Consumption
On 23 March 2026, a group of MEPs from The Left group, led by Dario Tamburrano, submitted a priority question (P-001186/2026) on the adoption of remote working to reduce energy consumption. Citing reports that Italy’s public administration is reducing teleworking, they contrast this with the policies of Member States like Denmark, which use flexible work models to boost productivity and cut oil consumption. The MEPs ask if the Commission is evaluating the urgency of adopting structural remote working measures, especially given recent energy crises, and if it has considered promoting teleworking to reduce fuel consumption from commuting. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ US-Controlled Venezuelan Oil Trade to the EU
Sara Matthieu (Verts/ALE) submitted a question on 18 February 2026 (E-000696/2026) regarding the trade of Venezuelan oil following the easing of US sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry. The MEP notes that the US administration has stated revenues from these oil sales would be managed and monitored by US authorities. The question asks the Commission to clarify if it is aware of Venezuelan oil, refined in the United States, being exported to or placed on the EU market, and to provide details on the quantities involved since January 2026. A response from the Commission is pending.
