This report provides a summary of Parliamentary Questions (PQs) submitted to the European Commission and its replies published in the week of 15 September 2025, focusing on energy and climate policy. Key themes emerging from the inquiries include the resilience of energy grids following blackouts on the Iberian Peninsula, the deployment of renewables and associated land-use conflicts, the future of the EU’s automotive industry amid the transition to e-mobility, and the strategic importance of critical raw materials. MEPs also scrutinised the implementation of major EU funds like the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and the impact of new regulations such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). This report covers a total of 36 parliamentary questions, of which 19 have received a response from the Commission and 17 are pending.
❗ Compatibility of German Plug-in Solar Rules with EU Law
In PQ E-002691/25, submitted on 2 July 2025, MEPs Engin Eroglu, Christine Singer, and Joachim Streit (Renew) questioned whether a proposed German standard (DIN VDE 0100-751) prohibiting the connection of mini-solar systems via household sockets is compatible with the EU’s Electricity Market Design Directive. They argued the standard could create access barriers for citizens. In a response on 19 September 2025, Commissioner Jørgensen clarified that while Member States can impose technical standards for safety, these must not be disproportionate or discriminatory for active customers. The Commission is assessing the transposition of relevant directives and is following discussions within the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (CENELEC) to ensure consumer-friendly requirements for plug-in solar systems.
❗ Renewable Energy Deployment and Land Use in Sicily
MEP Giuseppe Milazzo (ECR) submitted PQ E-002709/25 on 2 July 2025, raising concerns about the “unchecked proliferation” of wind and solar plants in Sicily’s Belice area, arguing it threatens local agriculture and is incompatible with CAP and Green Deal principles. He highlighted the lack of designated unsuitable areas for renewables as required by RED II. Commissioner Jørgensen, in his 19 September 2025 reply, stated that renewable energy deployment is not incompatible with protecting biodiversity and farmers’ livelihoods. He noted that the revised Renewable Energy Directive mandates Member States to designate “renewables acceleration areas,” prioritising non-agricultural land, and that the Commission has issued guidance encouraging innovative forms like agrivoltaics to minimise land-use conflicts.
❓ Impact of Revised Ecodesign Rules for Solid Fuel Heaters
MEP Tobiasz Bocheński (ECR) submitted PQ E-003585/2025 on 17 September 2025, questioning the social and energy impact of revised ecodesign regulations for solid fuel local space heaters (SFLSH). He argues the new rules could exclude cheap heating appliances using wood and biomass, increasing energy poverty in Central and Eastern European countries like Poland. The MEP asks if the Commission has conducted a comprehensive impact assessment for these regions. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Data Basis for New SFLSH Emission Rules
In a related question, E-003586/2025, submitted on 17 September 2025, MEP Tobiasz Bocheński (ECR) challenges the evidence base for the proposed revision of ecodesign regulations for SFLSH. He claims the Commission is relying on outdated data that does not reflect the performance of modern appliances compliant with current standards and asks if the Commission has representative field studies to justify tightening the rules. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Cost-Benefit Analysis of SFLSH Ecodesign Rules
Continuing his scrutiny of the SFLSH ecodesign revision, MEP Tobiasz Bocheński (ECR) submitted PQ E-003583/2025 on 17 September 2025. He alleges that the cost-benefit analysis for the new regulation is based on “simplified and opaque assumptions” and asks the Commission to clarify its methodology and the input data used for its calculations. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Inconsistencies in SFLSH Energy Efficiency Assumptions
In PQ E-003584/2025, submitted on 17 September 2025, MEP Tobiasz Bocheński (ECR) points out an apparent inconsistency in the proposed SFLSH ecodesign revision, where the required seasonal efficiency threshold is reduced from 65% to 60%. He questions if this change is out of step with EU energy efficiency goals and asks for the Commission’s reasoning and analysis of its effect on fuel consumption and household bills. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Compliance of Galician Wind Farm Projects with Habitats Directive
MEP Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE) submitted PQ E-003640/2025 on 19 September 2025, expressing concern over the Galician and Spanish governments’ failure to apply the Habitats and Birds Directives, particularly regarding the impact of large-scale wind farms on the Natura 2000 network. She asks for the Commission’s assessment of Galicia’s compliance and the current status of a long-standing infringement procedure against Spain. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ EU Energy Sector Preparedness for Summer Heat Waves
Following summer heat waves that pushed up electricity demand and prices, MEP Mihai Tudose (S&D) asked in PQ E-002822/25 on 10 July 2025 what solutions the Commission has to prepare the EU energy sector, particularly regarding storage and interconnection. In a 19 September 2025 reply, Commissioner Jørgensen acknowledged that the energy sector is highly impacted by climate change. He stated that Member States must already consider extreme weather in their risk preparedness plans and that the upcoming 2026 revision of the energy security framework will assess additional measures. He also highlighted the TEN-E regulation’s role in supporting interconnections and storage.
❗ Grid Stability and the Iberian Peninsula Blackouts
A series of questions addressed the major blackout in Spain and Portugal on 28 April 2025. In PQ E-002632/25 from 30 June 2025, MEP Markus Buchheit (ESN) linked the incident to an “ideologically driven energy transition” and asked if the Commission would revise policies to strengthen conventional energy sources. Responding on 19 September 2025, Commissioner Jørgensen asserted that the energy transition and energy security are “two sides of the same coin,” strengthening strategic autonomy. He confirmed that a 2026 revision of the EU energy security framework will pay close attention to emerging risks, including climate impacts, while reiterating that Member States retain the right to determine their own energy mix.
❗ Commission’s Response to Grid Instability and Price Volatility
Following up on the Iberian blackouts, MEPs Georg Mayer and Harald Vilimsky (PfE) asked in PQ E-003018/25 on 21 July 2025 how the Commission would ensure the expansion of renewables does not lead to unstable grids and prices. Commissioner Jørgensen’s reply on 19 September 2025 pointed to the Affordable Energy Action Plan and the upcoming revision of the energy security framework, which will consider lessons from the blackout investigation. He reiterated that a decarbonised system shields consumers from the volatility of imported fossil fuels, which cost the EU EUR 362 billion in 2024.
❗ Grid Imbalance Incidents and RED III Targets
A large group of MEPs from the PfE group, led by Julie Rechagneux, submitted PQ E-002586/25 on 26 June 2025, questioning the feasibility of the 42.5% renewable energy target by 2030 given grid stability issues. In his 19 September 2025 response, Commissioner Jørgensen stated that while the Commission does not have a consolidated assessment of grid incidents, ENTSO-E publishes an annual report on the matter. He affirmed that Member States have significantly closed the gap to achieving the 2030 targets and that meeting them will require investments in grid infrastructure, storage, and demand-side response, supported by initiatives like the Clean Industrial Deal.
❗ Environmental and Safety Scrutiny of Prinos CO2 Storage Project
In PQ E-003110/25 on 27 July 2025, MEP Maria Zacharia (NI) pressed the Commission on the legality of the Prinos CO2 storage project in Greece, citing a lack of a Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA), geological risks due to its location on a fault line, and non-compliance with the Seveso III Directive. Responding on 19 September 2025, Commissioner Roswall stated that national authorities are primarily responsible for ensuring compliance but noted the Commission must review and issue an opinion on the CO2 storage permit application, which is still being prepared by Greek authorities. She added that for projects receiving Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) grants, the SEIA is a required deliverable before works can begin.
❓ Funding for Greek Electricity Interconnections
MEP Georgios Aftias (PPE) highlighted in PQ E-003639/2025 on 19 September 2025 that electricity prices in Greece are two to three times higher than in interconnected countries. He asked what funding tools the Commission will use to address this market imbalance and whether it will fund interconnection projects between Greece and Central Europe to lower costs. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Legality of Electricity Contract Termination Fees in Latvia
MEP Vilis Krištopans (PfE) asked in PQ E-002705/25 on 2 July 2025 whether Latvia’s regulation allowing fees for early termination of electricity contracts is compatible with the EU Electricity Directive. He questioned the lack of a fee ceiling and proportionality criteria. In a 19 September 2025 reply, Commissioner Jørgensen explained that while the Directive generally prohibits switching fees for households, it allows for termination fees on fixed-term contracts if they are clearly communicated, proportionate, and do not exceed the supplier’s direct economic loss. He added that the Commission’s services are currently assessing Latvia’s transposition of the Directive and will provide a more detailed reply once the check is complete.
❗ Disbursement Status of the Recovery and Resilience Facility
In PQ E-003043/25 submitted on 23 July 2025, MEP Isabel Benjumea Benjumea (PPE) noted that only 48% of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) had been disbursed with one year remaining and asked for the Commission’s forecast. Executive Vice-President Fitto responded on 19 September 2025, stating that by the end of August 2025, disbursements reached 56% (EUR 362 billion) and were expected to hit 61% by year-end. He acknowledged implementation delays and pointed to a recent Commission Communication guiding Member States to ensure a smooth implementation in the final months before the 2026 deadline.
❗ Progress on RRF Milestones and Targets
MEP Isabel Benjumea Benjumea (PPE) also inquired about the implementation of RRF milestones and targets in PQ E-003045/2025. In his response on 17 September 2025, Executive Vice-President Fitto reported that based on Member States’ self-reported data, 84% of the 4,454 milestones and targets due by Q2 2025 were either assessed as fulfilled or reported as completed. He directed the MEP to the public RRF Scoreboard for the latest figures and reiterated that the Commission has set a clear path for Member States to ensure smooth implementation until the end of the facility.
❗ Status of RRF Loan Component Disbursements
In a third question on the RRF (E-003044/25) from 23 July 2025, MEP Isabel Benjumea Benjumea (PPE) focused on the loan component, noting only 38% had been disbursed. Executive Vice-President Fitto replied on 19 September 2025 that by the end of August 2025, 49% of requested loans (over EUR 141 billion) had been disbursed, with the share expected to reach 54% by year-end. He noted that Member States are currently revising their plans to address implementation challenges, which may involve reducing loan support if necessary, as was the case with Czechia in June 2025.
❗ Future of LIFE Programme under Proposed European Competitiveness Fund
In PQ E-003128/25, the Commission was asked about its proposal to repeal the LIFE programme and integrate it into a new European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). In her 17 September 2025 response, Commissioner Roswall confirmed the proposal but assured that specific activities funded under LIFE would remain under the remit of the new ECF. She stated that support for strategic nature projects would be provided under National and Regional Partnership Plans and that a wide range of funding options for nature restoration will continue to be available under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
❓ Impact and Scope of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
MEP Pascal Arimont (PPE) submitted PQ E-003621/2025 on 18 September 2025, raising concerns in energy-intensive industries about the potential extension of the CBAM’s scope. He asks how the Commission will protect EU production if raw materials are covered by CBAM but finished goods are not, and whether CBAM revenues will be earmarked to support lower production costs in the EU. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Simplification of High-Impact Environmental Legislation
MEPs Wouter Beke and Norbert Lins (PPE) asked in PQ E-003078/25 on 24 July 2025 if the Commission intends to present a simplification package for key environmental laws like the Habitats and Water Framework Directives. Commissioner Roswall responded on 18 September 2025, confirming the Commission’s target to cut administrative burden by at least 25%. She announced that a proposal to reduce administrative burdens linked to environmental laws (in areas of waste, products, and industrial emissions) will be presented in autumn 2025, following a stakeholder consultation that ran until 10 September 2025.
❗ Commission’s Commitment to Green Deal Amid Simplification Efforts
In a related query (E-002874/25), the Commission was asked about its response to concerns raised by the European Environment Agency and its commitment to the Green Deal. On 17 September 2025, Commissioner Roswall stated the Commission is committed to “stay the course on the Green Deal” and is proposing “simplification not deregulation.” She highlighted the proposed 90% emission reduction target for 2040, a new Water Resilience Strategy, and a proposed 35% climate and environment spending target for the next MFF as evidence of this commitment.
❓ Impact of EUDR on the Polish Wood Industry
MEP Tobiasz Bocheński (ECR) raised concerns from the Polish wood industry in PQ E-003580/2025 on 17 September 2025 regarding the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). He argues that the due diligence and geolocation requirements are disproportionate for a country like Poland where the forest area is growing. He asks if simplified procedures are being considered for low-risk countries. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Justification for Double Documentation under EUTR and EUDR
In PQ E-003593/2025 from 17 September 2025, MEP Christine Anderson (ESN) questioned the legal grounds for requiring internal market documentation under the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) and EUDR on top of checks at the EU’s external borders. She asks what will be done to avoid double obligations for businesses during the transition period until 2028. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Combined Impact of Climate Regulations on Polish Industry
MEP Tobiasz Bocheński (ECR) asked in PQ E-003579/2025 on 17 September 2025 whether the Commission has analysed the combined impact of regulations like CBAM, CSRD, and the ESG taxonomy on the investment capacity of industry in Member States like Poland. He also asks if derogations or phased implementation for SMEs are being considered. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Strengthening Water Resilience in Southern Europe
Highlighting that Greece loses around 50% of its drinking water to leakages, MEP Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI) asked in PQ E-003617/2025 on 17 September 2025 what measures the Commission will take to impose water loss limits and digitalise networks. He also inquired how REPowerEU will support infrastructure investments in drought-affected Southern European countries. A response from the Commission is pending.
Hydrogen & Power-to-X
❗ Future of European Automotive Suppliers and Hydrogen Infrastructure
Following job cuts at automotive supplier Forvia, MEP Marina Mesure (The Left) asked in PQ E-003040/25 on 23 July 2025 about the implementation of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) and whether aid could be conditioned on maintaining jobs. In a 16 September 2025 reply, Executive Vice-President Séjourné stated the Commission is actively working with Member States to roll out alternative fuels infrastructure, having committed EUR 351 million to 41 hydrogen projects. He noted that state aid rules already include conditions against job relocation and that the Commission is preparing European content requirements for public support measures to the automotive industry.
❗ Methodology for GHG Savings in Renewable and Recycled Carbon Fuels
In PQ P-002752/25, the Commission was questioned on its methodology for calculating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions savings for renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO) and recycled carbon fuels (RCF). In his 17 September 2025 response, Commissioner Jørgensen explained that Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1185 provides several options, including using the annual average emission intensity of electricity in the country of production. He added that a new Delegated Regulation adopted on 8 July 2025 includes changes to this methodology which are expected to facilitate the achievement of GHG saving thresholds for facilities using industrial off-gases.
Automotive, Batteries & Competitiveness
❗ Suspension of ACC Gigafactory in Termoli, Italy
A group of MEPs from The Left, led by Pasquale Tridico, inquired in PQ E-002954/25 on 17 July 2025 about the suspension of the ACC battery gigafactory project in Termoli and its implications for the EU’s battery strategy. Executive Vice-President Séjourné responded on 16 September 2025 that the Commission is aware of the suspension and is monitoring developments through the European Battery Alliance. He noted that Italy could decide to support the project under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework and that other instruments like the Innovation Fund are available. He also mentioned that the Molise region has proposed using cohesion funds to support clean and digital technologies.
❗ Trade Defence and Electric Vehicle Production in Türkiye
In PQ E-003035/25, the Commission was asked about investments in electric vehicle production in Türkiye and the potential for circumventing EU trade defence measures. Responding on 17 September 2025, Executive Vice-President Šefčovič stated that maintaining a robust automotive manufacturing base is a priority. He confirmed the Commission will monitor developments closely but noted that since production and exports to the EU have not yet commenced, circumvention cannot be considered at this stage. He added that the Commission may initiate an anti-circumvention investigation if sufficient evidence emerges.
❓ Supporting a Just Transition in Car-Producing Regions
MEP Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE) submitted PQ E-003601/2025 on 17 September 2025, relaying concerns from the Automotive Regions Alliance about the lack of a territorial focus in EU policies for the sector’s transition. He asks what measures the Commission plans to ensure car-producing regions receive targeted EU investment for a just and inclusive transition. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ EU Industrial Competitiveness and the US Inflation Reduction Act
Citing the risk of a technology and capital drain from the EU, MEP Tobiasz Bocheński (ECR) asked in PQ E-003575/2025 on 17 September 2025 if the Commission is planning a comprehensive EU response to the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), including simplifying public aid rules. A response from the Commission is pending.
Critical Raw Materials
❓ Criteria for Strategic Raw Material Projects
In PQ E-003556/2025 from 16 September 2025, MEP Maria Ohisalo (Verts/ALE) sought clarification on the criteria for recognising strategic raw material projects under Regulation 2024/1252. Specifically, she asks if applicants must provide a final profitability study to demonstrate a project’s feasibility and expected production volume. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Strategy to Limit Dependence on China for Critical Raw Materials
MEP Tobiasz Bocheński (ECR) submitted PQ E-003577/2025 on 17 September 2025, asking for specific steps the Commission will take to accelerate the exploitation of critical raw material deposits within the EU. He also questions if the Commission is planning to fast-track environmental and administrative procedures and if it is considering a mandatory EU-wide critical raw materials reserve. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ EU Support for Kiruna Relocation Due to Strategic Mining
MEP Sofie Eriksson (S&D) raised the issue of the town of Kiruna, Sweden, in PQ E-003546/2025 on 15 September 2025. The town is being relocated to allow for the expansion of an iron ore mine containing Europe’s largest known deposit of rare earth elements. She asks what measures the Commission will take to help manage the consequences of the relocation and ensure costs are shared fairly, given the project’s strategic value to the EU. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Alleged EU Pledge to Stop Russian Gas Imports by 2027
MEP Erik Kaliňák (NI) submitted PQ E-003536/2025 on 15 September 2025, citing a statement by a US official that “Europe has committed to the United States to completely stop importing Russian gas by 2027.” He asks the Commission to clarify if this statement is true, as it appears to contradict exemptions granted to Member States like Slovakia. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Climate Impact of Increased Military Spending
Citing a report that increased NATO military spending could add 1.32 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions over the next decade, MEP Giorgos Georgiou (The Left) asked in PQ E-003567/2025 on 16 September 2025 whether the Commission considers militarisation compatible with the Green Deal. He questions why the Commission supports policies that may undermine European climate objectives. A response from the Commission is pending.
