Greek MEP Galato Alexandraki (ECR) has asked the European Commission whether it considers current EU law sufficient to require the full dismantling of offshore wind farms, including foundations and moorings, and whether it plans to propose binding rules on recycling composite materials and mandatory financial guarantees to prevent end-of-life costs from falling on taxpayers.
The written question, submitted on 9 April 2026, targets Greece's ambitious offshore wind plans: the revised national energy and climate plan targets 1.9 GW by 2030, and the draft development plan envisages 25 marine areas covering 2,712 km² with an estimated minimum capacity of 12.4 GW. Alexandraki notes that while EU law already includes waste prevention, the 'polluter pays' principle, marine environmental status obligations, and environmental assessment requirements, it remains unclear whether binding guarantees ensure operators bear full dismantling and recycling costs.
Concrete asks and policy direction
The question contains two specific demands: first, a request for the Commission to assess whether the current EU framework enables member states to require complete removal of all infrastructure; second, a call for new binding EU rules on recycling or recovery of blades and other composite materials, alongside mandatory financial guarantees. This reflects a push for stronger EU-level regulation to ensure environmental protection and prevent public subsidy of decommissioning costs.
Expected follow-up
The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it views existing rules as sufficient or is open to proposing new legislation, which would impact offshore wind operators, national regulators, taxpayers, and the recycling industry.