A set of amendments to the European Parliament's report on the Baltic Sea multiannual plan, published on 11 May 2026, proposes to restrict EU-level action and explicitly criticise offshore wind energy. The amendments, tabled solely by the far-right ESN group, target the recitals of the report by Isabella Lövin (Greens/EFA, Sweden) and aim to shift the governance model from EU-led coordination to Member State-led action, with the Union playing only a supportive role. Additionally, the amendments single out offshore wind construction noise as a threat to the harbour porpoise, a move that clashes with the EU's renewable energy expansion goals under the Green Deal and REPowerEU.
Document context The amendments (A10-0121/6 and A10-0121/7) were submitted by Sarah Knafo on behalf of the ESN group to the report on the multiannual plan for the Baltic Sea (2024/2127(INI)). The report, currently in committee stage, is scheduled for plenary debate and vote later in 2026. The ESN group, a nationalist and sovereigntist political group, is the sole proposer, indicating a divergence from the positions of the centre-right EPP, Socialists & Democrats, and Greens/EFA, who generally support stronger EU environmental action and renewable energy infrastructure.
Policy orientations and trade-offs Amendment 7 proposes replacing the phrase "coordinated action at international and EU level" with "coordinated action among Member States, supported, where appropriate, by the Union." This change would weaken the legal and political basis for binding EU measures on Baltic Sea restoration, such as stricter fishing quotas or pollution controls, by making EU involvement conditional on Member State consent. The trade-off is between preserving national sovereignty over marine policy and maintaining the effectiveness of EU-wide environmental standards.
Amendment 6 adds a specific reference to "impulsive noise generated during the construction of offshore wind" as a threat to the harbour porpoise, alongside the existing mention of underwater noise. While underwater noise from various sources is a known issue, singling out offshore wind construction—rather than shipping, military sonar, or seismic surveys—sends a political signal that could be used to justify delays or opposition to offshore wind projects in the Baltic Sea. This directly conflicts with the EU's renewable energy targets and the REPowerEU plan to accelerate wind energy deployment.
Impact on stakeholders If adopted, the amendments would have moderate impacts on several stakeholders. EU regulatory bodies would see their role reduced from primary coordinator to secondary supporter, potentially limiting the European Commission's ability to enforce binding measures. National authorities of EU Member States would gain greater discretion but also face increased responsibility for coordinating action without strong EU backing. The offshore wind industry would face additional regulatory risk and potential project delays due to the explicit environmental criticism, increasing compliance costs. Environmental NGOs and conservation groups would likely oppose the amendments, arguing that weakening EU coordination undermines the effectiveness of Baltic Sea restoration and that targeting offshore wind distracts from other noise sources.
Institutional follow-up The amendments will be considered during the committee vote on the Lövin report. If adopted at committee level, they will be included in the report for plenary debate and vote. The Council of the European Union will later examine the Parliament's position, with trilogue negotiations expected if the Council adopts a different stance. The final outcome will depend on the balance of power in the Parliament and the Council's willingness to accept a more sovereigntist approach to Baltic Sea governance.
← Atlas › News › EU affairs & Institutions