MEP Pina Picierno (S&D) has submitted a written parliamentary question to the European Commission seeking clarity on whether Italy's planned amendment to the FER2 renewable energy decree must be treated as new state aid under EU rules. The question, filed on 15 April 2026, targets the Commission's interpretation of Article 108 TFEU and the notification obligations for alterations to already approved aid schemes.
Picierno's question centres on Italy's announced changes to the FER2 decree, originally approved by the Commission on 4 June 2024 (Decision C(2024) 3814). The amendment would introduce technology-specific tariffs for offshore wind (distinguishing fixed-foundation from floating), revise incentive tariffs and contract-for-difference schemes, add an inflation indexation mechanism, and remove the annual tariff reduction for all covered technologies.
The MEP asks whether these changes constitute an 'alteration to existing aid' under Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 794/2004, which would classify them as 'new aid' requiring notification to the Commission under Article 108 TFEU. If so, the Commission would need to initiate a preliminary examination and issue a decision within two months under Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2015/1589.
Picierno, a member of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, appears to be pressing for procedural rigour to ensure that any significant modification to approved state aid is properly vetted. The question implies concern that Italy might bypass notification requirements, potentially distorting competition in the renewable energy sector.
The Commission is expected to respond within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it views the amendment as a routine adjustment or a substantive change triggering full state aid scrutiny. This could affect investment certainty for offshore wind developers and Italy's renewable energy targets.