This report covers Parliamentary Questions submitted or answered during the period of 12 to 19 October 2025. Key themes dominating the agenda include the future of EU industrial policy, particularly concerning the competitiveness of energy-intensive sectors like steel and chemicals, and the equitable distribution of new financing instruments such as the European Competitiveness Fund. MEPs also focused on the regulatory framework for the green transition, questioning the implementation of the EU Taxonomy, the deforestation regulation, and the Social Climate Fund. Energy security remains a prominent concern, with questions raised about the investigation into the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage and the diversification of energy supplies.
❗ Designation of Renewable Acceleration Areas
In a response on 13 October 2025 to question E-003284/25, Commissioner Roswall clarified the rules for designating renewable acceleration areas under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED). The Commission stated that Member States are responsible for designating these areas and that an area can be reassessed for wind energy if it meets the necessary conditions. For projects in these zones, including parts of the Reichswald forest located in a Natura 2000 site, exemptions from the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (EIAD) apply, provided they do not have significant cross-border environmental effects. The response underlined that the process for assessing transboundary impacts is triggered if a Member State anticipates such effects or if an affected Member State requests it.
Hydrogen & Power-to-X
❗ Rules for Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs)
Responding to question E-002460/25 on 16 October 2025, Commissioner Jørgensen addressed the framework for renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs). He confirmed that the rules are set for a review by July 2028 and that a study has been launched to assess barriers to scaling up renewable hydrogen. The Commission’s position is that using carbon from non-sustainable fuels for RFNBOs is incompatible with the 2050 climate neutrality goal. Consequently, under existing regulations, captured emissions from burning non-sustainable fuels can only be considered avoided until 2035 for electricity production and 2040 for other uses, with these dates subject to review in light of the EU’s 2040 climate target.
❗ Grid Resilience and Extreme Weather Events
In a reply on 17 October 2025 to question E-002711/25, Commissioner Jørgensen outlined the EU’s framework for ensuring electricity grid resilience against extreme weather. He stated that the risk preparedness regulation requires Member States to include future grid development plans to cope with identified risks. The Commission attributes impediments to demand flexibility to the incomplete implementation of the Electricity Directive and will support Member States in developing new rules. The upcoming Grids Package aims to modernise infrastructure and streamline permitting, while the Affordable Energy Action Plan provides a broader strategy for achieving energy autonomy and completing the Energy Union.
❓ Maintaining Competitiveness of EU Ports
In question E-003887/2025 submitted on 3 October 2025, Borja Giménez Larraz (PPE) raised concerns about European financial institutions like the EBRD and EIB funding ports in North Africa, such as in Morocco and Egypt, which directly compete with EU ports. The MEP argues that this support, combined with the strict obligations EU ports face under the maritime ETS and FuelEU Maritime, creates an uneven playing field. The Commission is asked what measures it will take to strengthen the competitiveness of Spanish and other EU ports and prevent competitive losses to third-country facilities. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Proposal for an EU-level Windfall Tax on Electricity Companies
Fabio De Masi (NI) submitted question E-003997/2025 on 12 October 2025, asking for the Commission’s position on an EU-level windfall tax on electricity companies. Citing high energy bills for households and businesses, the Council’s 2022 recommendation for a ‘solidarity contribution’, and recent comments by former ECB President Mario Draghi supporting public intervention, the MEP queries the Commission’s stance on such a tax and how the potential revenue would be allocated between Member States and the EU budget. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Geographical Imbalance in EU Funding
In question E-003964/2025 from 8 October 2025, András Gyürk and Tamás Deutsch (PfE) highlighted a significant geographical imbalance in the distribution of directly managed EU funds, such as Horizon Europe and the Innovation Fund. They note that Central and Eastern European Member States receive a disproportionately small share of funding and ask what measures the Commission will take to ensure the new European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) reduces, rather than exacerbates, these imbalances, including whether regionally dedicated funding envelopes will be considered. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Ensuring Fair Access to the European Competitiveness Fund
Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE) raised concerns on 2 October 2025 in question E-003868/2025 about the accessibility of the upcoming European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). The question reflects fears from several Member States, including Romania and Malta, that the fund may disproportionately benefit large multinational corporations in highly developed industrial nations. The MEP asks the Commission to clarify what measures will be adopted to ensure the ECF supports geographically balanced industrial development and pays particular attention to SMEs. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Investment of Revenue from ETS and FuelEU Maritime
Borja Giménez Larraz (PPE) submitted question E-003890/2025 on 3 October 2025, seeking clarity on how revenues generated from the FuelEU Maritime penalties and the maritime ETS will be reinvested. The MEP stresses the legislative requirement for these funds to support the decarbonisation of maritime transport and asks how the Commission will guarantee this reinvestment, what supervisory procedures will be implemented, and whether common guidelines or a more rigorous reporting framework are being considered to enhance transparency and harmonisation among Member States. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Missed Deadline for National Social Climate Plans
On 3 October 2025, Martin Günther (The Left) asked the Commission about the submission of national social climate plans (SCPs) required for the Social Climate Fund in question E-003889/2025. Given the deadline of 30 June 2025, the MEP requests a list of Member States that met the deadline and those that have not yet submitted their plans. The question also asks what follow-up measures the Commission has taken with Member States that missed the deadline to safeguard the fund’s objectives of mitigating the social impacts of ETS2. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Conflicts of Interest at the European Investment Bank
Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE) raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest at the European Investment Bank (EIB) in question E-003836/2025 on 1 October 2025. Citing an internal EIB audit revealing weaknesses in financial disclosure and oversight, the MEP asks what the Commission is doing to prevent such conflicts, whether it supports a mandatory waiting period for former EIB executives, and if it intends to make EU funding channelled through the EIB contingent on stricter ethics and transparency requirements. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Reforming EU Fiscal Rules to Enable Strategic Investment
In question E-003862/2025 from 2 October 2025, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE) asked how the Commission intends to adapt the Stability and Growth Pact to support strategic investments. Citing analysis from the Bruegel think tank, the MEP argues that current fiscal rules hinder the massive public investments needed for defence, digital innovation, and critical raw materials, which are essential for the EU’s strategic autonomy. The question seeks to know what measures the Commission will take to create the necessary fiscal space. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Call for Comprehensive Review of the EU Taxonomy Regulation
Beatrice Timgren and Dick Erixon (ECR) submitted question E-003966/2025 on 8 October 2025, criticising the EU Taxonomy Regulation as complex, rigid, and a symbol of regulatory overreach that harms Europe’s competitiveness. They argue that piecemeal simplification is insufficient and that the framework discriminates against essential sectors like nuclear and key manufacturing. The MEPs ask if the Commission will conduct a comprehensive review to replace the current top-down model with a simpler, technology-neutral framework that supports investment and innovation. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Certification of ‘Nature-Positive Activities’ in Non-EU Countries
On 8 October 2025, Martin Günther (The Left) questioned the Commission’s “Roadmap towards Nature Credits” in E-003972/2025. Noting that the Carbon Removals Certification Framework is limited to the EU, the MEP asks if a future EU certification for ‘nature-positive activities’ will also be limited to the EU or if it will include projects in non-EU countries. The question specifically raises concerns about the potential negative consequences of such projects on the land and resource rights of local and indigenous communities abroad. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ EU Funding for Wildfire Prevention and Recovery in Greece
In a response on 16 October 2025 to question E-003251/2025, Executive Vice-President Fitto detailed the various EU funds available to Greece for wildfire prevention and recovery. He noted that the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) can be activated if damage thresholds are met, and Cohesion Policy funds provide €344.5 million for risk prevention in 2021-2027. Additionally, Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Plan invests in reforestation, while programs like the EU Mission on Adaptation, LIFE-IP AdaptInGR, and Horizon 2020 projects support climate resilience and nature-based solutions. The Greek CAP Strategic Plan and the Union Civil Protection Mechanism also offer avenues for support.
❗ EU Financial Support for Climate Adaptation and Disaster Recovery
Responding on 16 October 2025 to question E-002183/2025concerning financial support for local communities affected by extreme weather, Commissioner Tzitzikostas clarified that tourist taxes are a Member State competence. He highlighted that the Recovery and Resilience Facility and Cohesion Funds have supported Greece in preparing for climate impacts. The EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) is available for major natural disasters, complementing national measures. For 2021-2027, Cohesion Policy allocates €1.4 billion to Greece for climate-related risk prevention, and the Union Civil Protection Mechanism can be activated for immediate assistance.
❓ Commission’s Stance on German Coal-Exit Subsidies
Piotr Müller (ECR) submitted question E-003852/2025 on 2 October 2025, accusing the Commission of applying double standards by approving billions in compensation for Germany’s early closure of lignite mines, which were subsequently reactivated during the energy crisis. The MEP argues this special treatment undermines EU climate policy credibility and creates unfair competition for other Member States. The Commission is asked to justify its decision and explain how it will rebuild trust in its climate and energy policies. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Hungary’s Delayed Coal Phase-Out and Just Transition Funding
In question E-003955/2025 from 8 October 2025, Sara Matthieu (Verts/ALE) questioned the implications of Hungary delaying its coal phase-out plan to 2029. The MEP asks how the Commission assesses the consistency of this delay with Hungary’s 2030 climate and energy targets. Furthermore, the question seeks to understand the expected consequences for the disbursement of EU funds under the Just Transition Fund, including potential decommitments due to the implementation delay and policy mismatch. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Future of EU Climate Policy Amid Global Challenges
Anna Zalewska (ECR) asked the Commission on 8 October 2025, in question E-003943/2025, whether it plans to revise its climate and economic policy in light of geopolitical realities and criticism from the US. The MEP questions if the Commission will continue to act as a ‘climate leader’ at COP30 at the risk of further harming the EU’s economic competitiveness. The question also asks if the Commission is considering suspending the 2050 climate-neutrality target, arguing the interim 2040 target is unachievable for most Member States. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Commission Initiative on Competitiveness and Red Tape
On 2 October 2025, Sarah Knafo (ESN) submitted question E-003877/2025 regarding the Commission’s initiative to strengthen business competitiveness. The MEP argues that the main problem is not slow standard-setting but the proliferation of standards and administrative burdens. The question asks if the Commission intends to repeal excessive standards, how creating a new category of medium-sized enterprises contributes to simplification, and if it will reassess the impact of the Green Deal on industrial competitiveness. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Repeal or Rework of Deforestation-Linked Import Ban
Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren, and Dick Erixon (ECR) submitted question E-003747/2025 on 26 September 2025, arguing that the repeated postponement of the deforestation-linked import ban reveals serious operational flaws. They contend the regulation is unfit for purpose, particularly for low-risk suppliers in countries like Sweden with existing traceability systems. The MEPs ask why the Commission has not proposed a full repeal or a comprehensive rework of the system and whether it will consider a differentiated approach for low-risk countries. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Alignment of EU Maritime Rules with New IMO Standard
In question E-003888/2025 from 3 October 2025, Borja Giménez Larraz (PPE) asked how the Commission plans to adapt EU rules to a new International Maritime Organization (IMO) standard on greenhouse gas emissions. The MEP warns that the new global standard, combined with the FuelEU Maritime Regulation and the EU ETS, could create a triple regulatory and financial burden for shipping companies. The Commission is asked what measures it will take to ensure consistency, protect the competitiveness of the European maritime sector, and help it adapt. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ EU Measures to Address Glacier Retreat
In a response on 14 October 2025 to question E-003087/2025, Commissioner Hoekstra stated that the most effective measure to slow glacier deterioration is achieving climate neutrality by 2050. He confirmed that permanent glaciers are a protected habitat under the Habitats Directive, requiring Member States to designate them as Natura 2000 sites and prevent their deterioration. The Nature Restoration Regulation extends this non-deterioration requirement to glaciers outside Natura 2000 sites. The EU provides support to mountainous regions through various funds and initiatives, including Climate ADAPT, the LIFE programme, and the Alpine Convention.
❗ EU Strategy for Wildfire Prevention and Response
Responding to question E-003242/2025 on 13 October 2025, Commissioner Lahbib outlined the EU’s approach to wildfires under the Preparedness Union Strategy. This strategy uses an all-hazards approach, integrating policies on environment, agriculture, and civil protection, and will be complemented by a European Climate Resilience Plan by the end of 2026. The Emergency Response Coordination Centre played a key coordination role in summer 2025, with pre-positioned firefighters and the rescEU fleet proving their value. The Commission confirmed that lessons from the 2025 season, such as pre-positioning and faster mobilisation, will become standard practice.
❓ Countermeasures for Widespread Forest Drought in Greece
Yannis Maniatis (S&D) raised the issue of widespread drying of fir forests in Greece in question E-003911/2025 on 6 October 2025. The MEP attributes the phenomenon to prolonged drought and insect attacks, which increase fire risk. The Commission is asked whether Greece has requested activation of the Copernicus EMS system to map affected areas, if it has utilized financial tools like the CAP and LIFE programme to address the problem, and how the Commission assesses Greece’s progress in implementing national plans for managing forest risks. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Ensuring a European Approach in the Industrial Accelerator Act
In question E-003869/2025 submitted on 2 October 2025, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE) expressed concern that the proposed industrial accelerator act, championed by Germany, France, and Italy, may sideline the needs of other Member States. He argues that countries like Romania, with industries undergoing structural transformation, also need targeted support. The MEP asks what steps the Commission will take to ensure the act avoids a two-speed industrial policy and guarantees broad geographical and sectoral participation. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Protecting the EU Recycling Industry from Battery Fires and Imports
Pascal Arimont (PPE) highlighted the dual pressures on the EU’s recycling industry in question E-003859/2025 on 2 October 2025. The MEP points to a sharp increase in fires caused by improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries and competitive pressure from cheap imports of recycled goods produced under lower standards. The Commission is asked what short-term initiatives it is examining to prevent battery fires, how it will address distortions of competition from imports, and what measures it is considering to stabilise recycling capacities. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Scope of the New Overcapacity Instrument
On 8 October 2025, Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE) questioned the limited scope of the Commission’s proposed regulation to tackle trade disruptions from overcapacity in question E-003942/2025. The MEP notes that the mechanism is currently only planned for the steel sector, leaving other strategic industries like ceramics and green technologies unprotected. The Commission is asked if it intends to create equivalent instruments for other sectors and what steps it will take to protect sensitive industries in ongoing free trade agreement negotiations. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Coordinating EU Policies to Safeguard Supply Chains from Climate Risks
Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE) submitted question E-003863/2025 on 2 October 2025, asking what measures the Commission will take to address the threat of climate change to global and European supply chains. Citing a Bruegel report, the MEP highlights the vulnerability of critical sectors like food, energy, and transport to extreme weather events. The question seeks to know how the Commission will ensure better policy coordination, incentivise resilient supply chains, and promote international cooperation to safeguard Europe’s competitiveness. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Concerns Over Proposed Export Ban on European Scrap Metal
In question E-003930/2025 from 7 October 2025, Niels Flemming Hansen (PPE) raised concerns about a potential export ban on scrap metal under the European Steel and Metals Action Plan. The MEP warns that such a ban could worsen steel overcapacity, undermine the economic viability of recycling activities, and grant quasi-monopolistic control to a few EU smelters. The Commission is asked what measures it will take to avoid these outcomes and safeguard jobs in the recycling sector. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Post-Safeguard Regime and Reciprocity in Sustainability Standards for Steel
A cross-party group of MEPs led by Susana Solís Pérez (PPE) submitted question E-003976/2025 on 8 October 2025, calling for reciprocity in global sustainability standards for steel products. They point out that while substances like hexavalent chromium are restricted in the EU, imports containing them enter freely, creating a regulatory asymmetry. The MEPs ask when the Commission will propose import restrictions, how the post-safeguard regime will be designed to ensure reciprocity, and if the new measure will take effect by the first quarter of 2026. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Impact of Anti-Dumping Duties on the European Refractory Industry
A group of MEPs including Susana Solís Pérez (PPE) and Jonás Fernández (S&D) questioned the Commission on 2 October 2025 about anti-dumping duties on Chinese corundum imports in E-003881/2025. They argue that since the EU has limited production capacity, the duties risk creating supply shortages and excessive market concentration, jeopardising the competitiveness of the refractory sector. The Commission is asked how it will ensure the measures do not curtail competition and whether it will review the tariff rate to avoid serious economic consequences. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Support for the European Aluminium Industry
In a response on 17 October 2025 to question E-003041/2025 concerning the European aluminium industry, Executive Vice-President Séjourné stated that the Commission is working on measures to safeguard its competitiveness. He noted that the upcoming Accelerator Act could introduce sustainability and minimum EU content requirements in public procurement to support EU-made clean products. Furthermore, the new Clean Industrial Deal State aid framework can facilitate access to aid for decarbonisation, and the use of social conditionalities in public funding is intended to ensure workers benefit from this support.
❗ Carbon Leakage Protection for the Fertiliser Industry
Responding to question E-003378/2025 on 14 October 2025, Commissioner Hoekstra confirmed the Commission has no plans to reduce the scope of emissions covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). He explained that the fertiliser industry is protected against carbon leakage, currently by free allocation under the ETS and in the future by the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). CBAM will be phased in completely by 2034, and in the meantime, installations are eligible for free allowances. The Commission is examining the future of carbon leakage protection beyond 2030 in an upcoming ETS review.
❓ Council Position on Refusal to Extradite Nord Stream Sabotage Suspect
Fabio De Masi (NI) submitted question E-003995/2025 to the Council on 12 October 2025, regarding Poland’s stated refusal to extradite a suspect in the Nord Stream pipeline bombing to German authorities. The MEP asks how the Council believes this decision will affect the principle of mutual trust, judicial cooperation in criminal matters, and the shared responsibility for protecting critical infrastructure in the European Union. A response from the Council is pending.
❓ Commission’s View on Poland’s Refusal to Extradite Nord Stream Suspect
In a related question to the Commission (E-003996/2025) on 12 October 2025, Fabio De Masi (NI) asked for the Commission’s conclusions on Poland’s refusal to extradite a suspect in the Nord Stream pipeline bombing. The question focuses on the implications for judicial cooperation, mutual recognition of judicial decisions, and the protection of critical infrastructure within the Union, given that the explosion was a terrorist attack on a Member State’s energy infrastructure. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Canada’s Role in Diversifying Europe’s Energy Supply
Joachim Streit (Renew) asked the Commission on 8 October 2025 about Canada’s potential role in diversifying the EU’s energy supply in question E-003953/2025. The MEP suggests that over-reliance on US energy imports contradicts the REPowerEU goal of diversification. Citing Canada’s willingness to help and its planned investments in energy infrastructure, the question asks if Canada has a role in the Commission’s diversification plan, if the Commission intends to step up energy supply discussions, and if Canadian supplies could strengthen the EU’s energy security. A response from the Commission is pending.
