Overview
This report covers parliamentary questions (PQs) and Commission responses published during the timeframe of 17.05.2026 till 24.05.2026 (Monday → Sunday). The primary themes dominating this period include the deployment and financing of renewable energy, the strategic importance of energy infrastructure and storage, efforts to secure critical raw material supply chains, and the broader geopolitical dimensions of energy security in light of Middle Eastern tensions. In total, this briefing encompasses 18 PQ entries covering 19 individual questions. Of these, 11 entries have been answered by the Commission, while 7 remain pending.
❓ Lack of EU Standards for Siting Energy Storage Facilities
Submitted by Arkadiusz Mularczyk (ECR) on 6 May 2026, E-001873/2026 questions the lack of EU-wide standards for siting large-scale energy storage facilities near residential buildings. Prompted by a planned facility in Lisia Góra, Poland, the MEP asked whether the Commission plans to introduce uniform minimum distance regulations and if current safety rules adequately account for the specific risks of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Use of Congestion Income under the Grids Package
Submitted by an unspecified MEP on an unlisted date, E-001172/2026 raised questions regarding the management of congestion income and cross-border energy infrastructure investments. In a response on 22 May 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen clarified that the Grids Package proposal does not foresee centralising congestion income at the EU level. Instead, income remains nationally managed, with 25% reserved for Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs) only after priority objectives are fulfilled.
❓ Administrative Fragmentation of the Escatrón-La Secuita Power Line
Submitted by Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE) on 6 May 2026, E-001862/2026 challenges the administrative processing of the Escatrón-La Secuita very high voltage power line across seven separate files. The MEP asked if fragmenting a functionally unitary infrastructure violates the Environmental Impact Assessment Act and the Habitats Directive by preventing a holistic evaluation of its cumulative impacts on Natura 2000 sites and local agriculture. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ RRF Flexibility for Social Housing Energy Efficiency
Submitted by Danilo Della Valle (The Left), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Leoluca Orlando (Verts/ALE), and Brando Benifei (S&D) on 12 May 2026, E-001961/2026 asks for an 18-month extension to the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) deadline for Italy’s social housing energy efficiency projects. Highlighting inflation and material price spikes exacerbated by geopolitical conflicts, the MEPs queried whether the Commission would invoke objective circumstances to allow price adjustments and prevent the loss of funding. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Stability Pact Derogations for Energy Investments
Submitted by Anna Maria Cisint (PfE) on 5 May 2026, E-001827/2026 addresses the structural energy cost disparities harming industrial competitiveness in certain Member States. The MEP asked whether the Commission would consider extending the Stability and Growth Pact flexibility clauses to investments in the energy sector, mirroring existing derogations for defence. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Mitigating High Energy Costs via EU Funding
Submitted by an unspecified MEP on an unlisted date, E-001443/2026 inquired about EU strategies to alleviate the burden of rising energy costs. In a response on 22 May 2026, Executive Vice-President Fitto noted that the Commission is incentivising Member States to redirect cohesion policy funds towards affordable housing and competitiveness. He highlighted the AccelerateEU communication, adding that the Commission will draft a dedicated investment chapter to help Member States reallocate EU funds for energy-related relief.
❗ EU Coordinated Response to Fossil Fuel Price Volatility
Submitted by an unspecified MEP on an unlisted date, E-001011/2026 addressed the economic strain of volatile fossil fuel prices on households and businesses. In a response on 22 May 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen pointed to the AccelerateEU communication and the forthcoming recommendations under the Citizens Energy Package aimed at preventing consumer disconnections. The Commissioner confirmed that no EU-wide price ceiling or extraordinary funding mechanism is currently envisaged.
❗ Energy Price Shocks and Stability Pact Escape Clauses
Submitted by an unspecified MEP on an unlisted date, P-001009/2026 inquired about measures to manage retail electricity prices and the potential suspension of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) or activation of the Stability and Growth Pact escape clause. In a response on 20 May 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen clarified that the general escape clause conditions have not been met and that there are no plans to suspend the EU ETS. Instead, the Commission will present an Electrification Action Plan to address structural fossil fuel dependencies.
❓ Compatibility of Greek Renewable Energy Law with Natura 2000
Submitted by Maria Zacharia (NI) on 6 May 2026, E-001878/2026 questions the legality of a Greek draft law that permits renewable energy activities within Natura 2000 sites without prior appropriate impact assessments. The MEP asked if this decoupling violates the Habitats and Environmental Impact Assessment Directives, and whether a two-week public consultation held during Easter met EU requirements for effective public participation. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ ETS Obligations for the Offshore Shipping Sector
Submitted by an unspecified MEP on an unlisted date, E-001335/2026 queried the impact of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) on offshore shipping operators. In a response on 20 May 2026, Commissioner Hoekstra stated that the Commission does not envisage temporarily suspending ETS obligations for the sector. He noted that clarifications have been added to the MRV Regulation guidance, and the upcoming ETS review will assess further measures to prevent market distortion and safeguard competitiveness.
❗ Strengthening the Business Case for European Industry
Submitted by an unspecified MEP on an unlisted date, E-001030/2026 explored support measures for industrial decarbonisation and competitiveness. In a response on 20 May 2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné outlined initiatives under the Competitiveness Compass and Clean Industrial Deal, including relief from high energy costs and a proposed EUR 30 billion€30BCited figure investment booster financed by ETS allowances. He also referenced the upcoming Industrial Accelerator Act to expedite permitting and create lead markets for low-carbon products.
Critical Raw Materials & Trade Defence
❗ Implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act
Submitted by an unspecified MEP on an unlisted date, E-001200/2026 and E-001201/2026 examined the EU strategy for securing critical raw materials. In a response on 22 May 2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné highlighted the REsourceEU Action Plan, which mobilises EUR 3 billion€3BCited figure to support raw material value chains, including EUR 300 million under a Battery Booster. He clarified that EU funding instruments aim to develop technologies and support decarbonisation, rather than directly securing raw material volumes.
❗ Safeguarding the EU Silicon Metal Industry
Submitted by an unspecified MEP on an unlisted date, E-001503/2026 raised concerns about the domestic production of silicon metal amid challenging market conditions. In a response on 21 May 2026, Commissioner Šefčovič explained that while silicon was not included in recent safeguard measures, the Commission is open to exploring trade defence options. He noted that domestic production currently meets 30% of EU demand and mentioned that a strategic project application for silicon metal is currently under assessment.
❓ EU Trade Policy and the Phase-Out of Fossil Fuels
Submitted by Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE) on 13 May 2026, P-002010/2026 focuses on the aftermath of the Santa Marta Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels. The MEP asked how the Commission plans to leverage its trade agreements with 39 participating nations to advance this transition, and what steps it will take to encourage non-participating trading partners to join future discussions. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Nuclear Energy as a Pillar of EU Strategic Autonomy
Submitted by Claudiu-Richard Târziu (ECR) on 13 May 2026, P-001978/2026 argues for the explicit recognition of nuclear power in ensuring European energy security. In light of vulnerabilities exposed by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, the MEP asked the Commission what measures it will take to grant nuclear projects equal access to green taxonomy and European Investment Bank financing, and how it plans to end dependence on Russian nuclear fuel. A response from the Commission is pending.
Geopolitical Disruptions & Supply Diversification
❗ Gas Security and the EU-Azerbaijan Energy Partnership
Submitted by an unspecified MEP on an unlisted date, E-001312/2026 inquired about the role of Azerbaijani gas in replacing Russian fossil fuels. In a response on 22 May 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen noted that supplies via the Southern Gas Corridor have increased by over 40% since 2021, though they still represent only 3.9% of total EU gas imports. He emphasized that the REPowerEU strategy prioritizes demand reduction, efficiency, and renewables alongside supply diversification to mitigate future dependency risks.
❗ Impact of Middle East Conflict on EU Gas Supplies
Submitted by an unspecified MEP on an unlisted date, E-000895/2026 questioned the energy security implications of the ongoing war in the Middle East. In a response on 19 May 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen confirmed there is no immediate threat to EU supply, noting that only 4% of annual gas imports originate from the region. He underscored the success of the Gas Storage Regulation and the AccelerateEU Communication in structurally protecting households and industry from high energy prices.
❗ Maritime Security in the Strait of Hormuz and Resource Resilience
Submitted by an unspecified MEP on an unlisted date, E-001224/2026 addressed geopolitical tensions in Iran and their impact on global trade routes. In a response on 22 May 2026, High Representative/Vice-President Kallas welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire and affirmed the EU commitment to safeguarding navigation via Operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES. She added that the EU has reached a political agreement to widen sanctions targeting those responsible for potential closures of the Strait, while simultaneously boosting domestic critical raw material resilience.
