Commissioner Roswall, in a written answer on 17 July 2026, stressed that it is primarily the responsibility of Greek authorities to ensure that energy projects in the Vounasa/Kamvounia mountainous zone comply with EU environmental legislation, including cumulative impact assessments and public participation requirements. The answer, responding to a question by S&D MEP Yannis Maniatis, comes after the Regional Council of Western Macedonia gave a unanimously negative opinion on the environmental impact assessment of two pumped storage projects in December 2025, yet a Decision of Approval of Environmental Terms was issued in January 2026. Roswall noted that the EIA Directive requires a description of cumulative effects with other projects, and the Aarhus Convention obliges Greece to ensure effective public participation, but does not require a specific decision based solely on a negative local opinion. She pointed to the European Grids Package proposed in December 2025, which includes new public participation and benefit-sharing requirements under the Renewable Energy Directive. The Commission continues to support implementation through expert groups and the Pact for Engagement initiative.
The answer contains no concrete proposals for new EU guidelines or mechanisms, instead reiterating existing legal obligations and ongoing support measures.