French MEP Mathilde Androuët (Patriots for Europe) has asked the European Commission to clarify the role of US-funded think tanks in shaping the European Green Deal, raising concerns over foreign influence on EU climate policy. In a written parliamentary question dated 3 June 2026, Androuët cites a Euractiv article from 12 May 2026 reporting that the US-based Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) 'quietly shaped' the 'energy efficiency first' principle and is considering a merger with German think tank Agora Energiewende, both of which receive significant funding from American foundations. The MEP's questions target the Commission's awareness and vetting of such influence, with potential implications for EU industry, energy prices, and economic sovereignty.
The question, submitted under Parliament's rules, contains three concrete asks: first, whether the Commission can clarify the exact nature of RAP and Agora's contributions to EU climate policies, particularly the 'energy efficiency first' principle; second, whether the Commission has verified any direct or indirect links between these funders and foreign economic, industrial, or state interests; and third, whether the Commission considers it legitimate for largely foreign-financed structures to have significant influence on strategic choices affecting Member States' industry, energy prices, and economic sovereignty.
Androuët's line of questioning reflects a policy orientation sceptical of external influence on EU climate legislation, advocating for greater transparency and sovereignty safeguards. The Commission is expected to respond within approximately six weeks, and its answer will signal its stance on the legitimacy of foreign-funded think tanks in EU policymaking. The issue touches on cleavages between EU integration and national sovereignty, as well as between environmental ambition and economic competitiveness, with stakeholders including EU industry (facing potential cost impacts from energy efficiency rules), national governments (concerned about sovereignty), and civil society groups that may defend the think tanks' expertise.