Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič has reaffirmed the European Commission's support for phasing out export credit support for fossil fuel projects, but stopped short of announcing new enforcement or coordination measures, instead emphasising transparency and Member State responsibility. In a written answer to a parliamentary question from MEP Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D), Šefčovič outlined existing monitoring tools and declined to intervene in specific projects, signalling a cautious approach that balances climate goals with national sovereignty over export credit decisions.
The answer, published on 29 April 2026, responds to Van Brempt's question of 9 March 2026, which pressed the Commission on concrete guidance, coordination, monitoring or enforcement measures to strengthen Member States' commitments to phase out fossil fuel support by export credit agencies (ECAs). Van Brempt also asked about the compatibility of continued fossil fuel support with EU climate objectives and the OECD Arrangement, and whether the Commission would engage with ECAs still considering support for the Mozambique liquefied natural gas (LNG) project after withdrawals by Atradius Dutch State Business and UK Export Finance.
Šefčovič's reply focuses on existing mechanisms: the annual review of Member State reports under Regulation (EU) No 1233/2011, which since 2023 includes detailed information on ECA climate policies and justifications for fossil fuel transactions. He also highlighted a new transparency report, published in November 2025, providing exhaustive data on energy sector transactions since 2015. These initiatives, he argued, ensure robust public scrutiny of Member States' intentions to phase out export credits for fossil fuel projects.
Policy orientation and institutional follow-up
The answer reveals a policy orientation that favours transparency and voluntary action over binding EU-level mandates. The Commission supports further progress but does not propose new legislation, numerical targets, or enforcement mechanisms. Instead, it relies on public scrutiny and the OECD framework to drive change. On the Mozambique LNG project, Šefčovič stressed that primary responsibility for due diligence lies with the individual Member State, which must assess alignment with national, EU and international obligations, including the OECD Recommendation on Common Approaches. The Commission does not intervene in individual project approvals but pays attention to these issues when reviewing Member State reports.
The Commission will continue its annual reviews and may use the transparency data to encourage Member States to align with EU climate objectives. However, no timeline for further legislative or regulatory action was provided. The answer suggests that any significant tightening of rules would require consensus among Member States or changes to the OECD Arrangement, which is updated periodically. The next review cycle for Member State reports is expected in 2027, covering the 2026 reporting year.