A German MEP has questioned the European Commission's approval of state aid for the Rostock-Schwedt pipeline upgrade, raising concerns about competition and transparency. The written question, submitted on 6 May 2026, targets the Commission's decision to allow public funding for the project, which aims to secure crude oil supplies to the Schwedt refinery. The MEP argues that the aid may distort the internal energy market and calls for a detailed justification of the Commission's assessment.
The question, filed under parliamentary rules, seeks specific information on the amount of aid approved, the conditions attached, and the Commission's evaluation of alternative solutions. It also asks whether the Commission considered the impact on competing pipeline operators and refineries in neighbouring regions. The MEP's intervention reflects ongoing tensions between national energy security measures and EU state aid rules, which require that public support does not unduly distort competition.
Policy orientation and expected follow-up
The question signals a push for greater scrutiny of state aid in the energy sector, particularly for infrastructure projects linked to fossil fuels. The MEP appears to advocate for stricter adherence to market principles and a more rigorous assessment of alternatives, such as rail or maritime transport. The Commission is expected to reply within six weeks, and its answer will indicate whether it stands by its approval or acknowledges potential shortcomings. The outcome could influence future state aid decisions for energy infrastructure in the EU.