Mihai TUDOSE

Policy topics Mihai TUDOSE is active on

What Mihai TUDOSE has said (25)

• 2026-02-27 “E-000836/2026 Answer given by Mr Serafin on behalf of the European Commission By bringing together EU funds under one coherent strategy, with cohesion and agricultural policies at its core, the Commission’s proposal on the National Regional and Partnership Plans 1 aims to address current and future challenges in a holistic, coordinated and consistent manner, which will bring simplification for both authorities and beneficiaries. A common set of rules will apply for shared management funds, including for programming, governance, financial implementation, assurance and transparency. Payments will be conditional upon the fulfilment of investment and reform milestones and targets linked to agreed priorities to deliver funding and results faster and more efficiently, with a focus on the results of EU spending. Furthermore, in what relates to simplification for Member States, the proposal relies on the single audit principle, striking a balance between an appropriate level of controls and simplification for stakeholders. Strong safeguards have been included to ensure the robustness of national control systems and effective action in case of issues, including where the applicable law is not respected. The Commission retains the possibility to block payments and protect the EU’s financial interests. Moreover, the Performance Regulation 2 proposal replaces the current complex and fragmented set of rules with a horizontal approach for key principles – climate and environment, ‘do no significant harm’, social policies and gender equality – applicable to all EU funding. A common framework links how funds are spent to the results delivered, using a standard set of performance indicators for each intervention field 3 . When preparing the proposal for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework 4 , the Commission gave due consideration to recommendations by other EU institutions, including the European Court of Auditors. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/publications/european-fund-economic-social-and-territorial-cohesion-agricultureand-rural-fisheries-and-maritime_en. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52025PC0545. 3 As defined in Annex I of the Regulation. 4 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/eu-budget/long-term-eu-budget/eu-budget-2028-2034_en.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget · Conditions to access EU budget
• 2026-02-17 “Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission 11.5.2026 Written question The Commission welcomes the opinion of the Court of Auditors and appreciated the opportunity of discussing it with the EP Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development. The proposed structure of the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) builds on several pieces of legislation in force today and governing the current CAP [1] . It aims at fostering synergies across policies for the benefit of rural areas, investment in farming and bringing simplifications for farmers (such as an increased use of lump sums and incentives) while providing robust safeguards to guarantee that the EU taxpayer’s money is spent in an efficient, regular and transparent manner Discussions with co-legislators are ongoing concerning a transfer of certain Articles to the CAP and common market organisation regulation proposals pursuant to a letter of the President of the Commission of November 2025. The minimum ring-fenced budget for income support ensures fairness and continuity for the financing of the agricultural sector. The new degressivity mechanism should also improve the targeting. Regarding the balance between commonality and flexibility, the proposals [2] contain several guarantees. Commonality is safeguarded by common objectives, a stable toolbox, common protective practices, steering by the Commission via recommendations and a common assessment procedure. The approval process for the plans is framed by deadlines. The Council decision (to be adopted within 4 weeks of the Commission proposal) should not make the process disproportionately long since Member States are also very much interested in a swift approval and implementation of plans. Specificities of CAP payments regarding monitoring of expenditure have been mostly kept, while ensuring accountability. [1] These include beyond the Strategic Plan Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 2021/2115), the Horizontal Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 2021/2116, and the regulation on the Common organisation of the markets (Regulation (EU) 1308/2013). [2] See https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/eu-budget/long-term-eu-budget/eu-budget-2028-2034_en.”
  Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1) · Agricultural funding
• 2026-02-09 “E-000513/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission Access to critical raw materials remains exposed to trade distortions, market volatility and geopolitical developments beyond the EU’s control. This is why the EU pursues a comprehensive approach combining boosting domestic production, promoting diversification of supply, circularity and increasing international cooperation. In this context, strategic partnerships are long-term framework instruments. They are designed to de-risk investment, improve governance and unlock projects along the value chain. Short-term bilateral trade fluctuations are therefore not always a reliable measure of their performance. On recycling, the Commission recognises the need to strengthen circularity of critical raw materials, in line with the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) 1 ’s 25% recycling benchmark. To achieve it, the Commission already recognised 60 Strategic Projects, 10 of them are recycling projects, while RESourceEU 2 announced measures to boost investment in those projects while retaining strategic scrap in the EU. The Commission also proposed amending the CRMA to advance circularity by including pre-consumer waste in recycling measures expanding labelling requirements for recyclability. Lastly, the forthcoming Circular Economy Act will further strengthen secondary raw material markets. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02024R1252-20240503. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0945.”
  Sourcing of critical raw materials
• 2025-11-13 “E-004516/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Sejourné on behalf of the European Commission The EU legislative framework for energy efficiency and buildings ensures a stable demand for energy-efficient construction materials and technologies, which encourages investment in production capacity. The Commission published in 2020 the Renovation Wave Strategy 1 , pursuing the dual ambition of energy savings and economic growth. The key actions proposed therein have been implemented through the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2 , the recast Energy Efficiency Directive 3 , the revision of the Construction Products Regulation 4 and other legislative reviews under the ‘Fit for 55’ package 5 . The future Industrial Accelerator Act will boost demand for key strategic European low carbon industrial products and clean technologies. It will build on the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) 6 to speed up permitting and support clean transition of energy-intensive sectors in particular. The European Strategy for Housing Construction 7 has announced more measures to increase productivity of the construction value chains, including on supporting innovation. The NZIA aims to reduce dependencies by diversifying supply and increasing European manufacturing capacity for net-zero technologies and their key components. It encompasses 19 net-zero technologies, including energy system-related, energy efficiency technologies such as energy management systems, building automation systems and automated demand response, as well as other technologies related to energy efficiency such as heat pumps and transformative industrial technologies for decarbonisation. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0662. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=OJ:L_202401275. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=OJ:C_202301553. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=OJ:L_202403110. 5 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52021DC0550. 6 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02024R1735-20250817. 7 https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/circabc-ewpp/d/d/workspace/SpacesStore/a85e53d8-a82b-47f9-a247f0819f20466d/download.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2025-11-13 “E-004514/2025 Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission The Communication ‘Connecting Europe Through High-Speed’ 1 sets out how the Commission plans to improve connectivity between capitals through high-speed, which will accelerate achieving the EU’s twin goals of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050 and strengthening the European Union’s global competitiveness. In this endeavour, bridging the investment gap will be crucial. The next EU long-term budget (2028-2034) is currently negotiated in the European Parliament and the Council, based on the Commission’s proposals of July 2025 2 . The proposal for the next Connecting Europe Facility foresees to double the current budget with a particular focus on cross-border transport infrastructure projects, which will help also in the development of a European high-speed network. However, public funding alone will not suffice to meet the substantial investment estimates. EU funding will be required to leverage funding and financing from other public and private sources. The Commission welcomes a more strategic and coordinated use of European funds, national measures, user charges, and where needed financial investment from the private sector. Therefore, the Commission will develop a financing strategy and will engage in a strategic dialogue with Member States, financial institutions and other key stakeholders to discuss how to leverage the impact of EU financing instruments and create a European ecosystem of investors engaged in financing strategic projects. The strategic dialogue will also promote cooperation between the rail sector actors by disseminating best practices in the EU. A ‘HighSpeed Rail Deal’ to be agreed in 2026 will set out joint commitments by all relevant partners to mobilise the necessary resources. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/news-and-media/news/connecting-europe-through-high-speed-rail-2025-1105_en. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025PC0547.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2025-11-13 “E-004517/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission The co-legislators agreed in 2024 on the European electricity market design reform to address high and volatile prices. The reform strengthens the role of power purchase agreements and two-way contracts for difference to promote long-term pricing tools, promotes non-fossil flexibility as an alternative to gas, and allows consumers to be less dependent on volatile short-term markets. The Commission supports Member States in their implementation. Furthermore, the Commission adopted in February the Action Plan for Affordable Energy that comprises short- and long-term measures to structurally lower energy prices 1 . In addition, the Commission is supporting the accelerated deployment of non-fossil flexibility. Already in 2025, annual storage investment volumes in Europe are catching up with China and the United States according to the International Energy Agency’s latest World Investment Outlook 2 . Via tertiary legislation, the Commission aims to address remaining regulatory barriers for non-fossil flexibility. It will also adopt a Clean Energy Investment Strategy, which will help accelerate investments into non-fossil flexibility. The recently adopted Grids Package ensures a more efficient and more interconnected European energy system, ultimately contributing to lower energy prices and lower price disparities among Member States. Finally, the Commission proposed a reinforced Connecting Europe Facility for Energy in the Multiannual Financial Framework proposal 3 , increasing the support of interconnection reinforcement from EUR 5.84 billion to EUR 29.91 billion for 2028-2034. Domestic grid projects will be eligible for funding under the National and Regional Partnerships Plans and the European Competitiveness Fund. 1 https://energy.ec.europa.eu/publications/action-plan-affordable-energy-unlocking-true-value-our-energy-unionsecure-affordable-efficient-and_en. 2 https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-investment-2025. 3 MFF proposal COM(2025)570: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52025DC0570&qid=1753978048542.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2025-11-13 “E-004515/2025 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission The Commission welcomes the Court’s analysis, which confirms that around two-thirds of business-environment challenges were addressed in the recovery and resilience plans (RRP) and that almost all completed reforms delivered their expected outputs, with some already showing significant results. The Regulation establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF Regulation) 1 does not require every business-environment challenge to be fully covered. Each plan must address ‘all or a significant subset’ of country-specific recommendations, taking into account each Member State’s allocation, structural challenges and national context. Member States may therefore have prioritised addressing other policy challenges while improving the business environment through national measures. The Commission supports and closely monitors RRP implementation, with businessenvironment reforms generally well advanced. Further implementation will provide additional evidence, although structural reforms typically take time to translate into measurable outcomes, and many relevant measures have only recently been completed. Gaps in observable results to date therefore reflect timing rather than lack of progress. The Commission will continue to assist Member States in delivering RRF measures and will follow up beyond 2026 through the European Semester. Looking to the next multiannual financial framework, the Commission has proposed instruments that continue coherently linking reforms and investment, supporting a more competitive and resilient EU business environment. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/241/oj/eng.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU (free access) · EU industrial funding
• 2025-10-02 “E-003847/2025 Answer given by Mr Serafin on behalf of the European Commission The Commission agrees on the importance to enhance the EU's budget agility, ensuring a collective capacity to address the unexpected challenges faced by the Member States. As shown in the Commission’s proposal on the long-term budget 2028-2034 1 , the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) must equip the EU with a simpler, more flexible and more strategic budget architecture. To this end, the Commission’s proposal focuses on several key improvements. Firstly, the Commission aims to simplify the budget structure by reducing the number of categories (headings) and programmes. Additionally, the proposal includes a reinforced ‘Flexibility instrument' and a ‘Ukraine Reserve' that can provide additional funds over and above the MFF ceilings. This will allow for both easier reprioritisation within a given programme and, if necessary, mobilisation of additional resources. Furthermore, by integrating reserves and cushions within the main programmes and maintaining larger unallocated margins, the EU will be better equipped to address emerging priorities and unexpected needs as they arise. Lastly, in case of severe crisis, serious hardship or serious threats thereof, a new extraordinary Crisis Mechanism will be available, offering loans to Member States backed by the EU budget. The activation of this mechanism will be decided by the Council with the involvement of the European Parliament. Crises may also be addressed through solidarity actions funding from the EU Facility, which replaces the current EU Solidarity Fund. Such amounts will top up Member States’ National and Regional Partnership plans, when reprogramming meets the thresholds set out in Article 34 of the proposal 2 . 1 https://commission.europa.eu/publications/multiannual-financial-framework_en. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/eu-budget/long-term-eu-budget/eu-budget-2028-2034_en.”
  Conditions to access EU budget · Size of EU budget
• 2025-09-02 “P-003363/2025 Answer given by Mr Hoekstra on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Modernisation Fund (MF) was established in 2018 to support the modernisation of energy systems and the improvement of energy efficiency in 13 lower-income Member States. In principle, investments involving fossil fuels are not eligible under the MF. Under certain circumstances, including considerations related to energy security, investments involving gaseous fossil fuels, however, can be financed. That said, gas transmission infrastructure only qualifies as non-priority investments as defined in Article 10d(6) of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) Directive 1 so that the investment committee established for the fund assesses the technical and financial viability of that investment, including the emission reductions it achieves, and issues a recommendation on financing the investment from the MF. The Commission only adopts a disbursement decision following such recommendation. 2. The EU Taxonomy 2 aims to help identify investments into activities which have the greatest potential to make a substantial contribution to EU environmental objectives. The Taxonomy already covers certain activities relating to energy generation from natural gas that are important for Europe’s energy security, under strict conditions. Natural gas infrastructure has been significantly enhanced by Member States with the support of EU infrastructure policy and financial instruments, in particular the TEN-E framework and Connecting Europe Facility. As a result, the EU gas infrastructure is robust, flexible and wellinterconnected as proved in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and hostile supply cuts from Gazprom. 1 Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a system for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Union and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC. 2 https://finance.ec.europa.eu/sustainable-finance/tools-and-standards/eu-taxonomy-sustainable-activities_en.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration · Natural gas · EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• 2025-09-02 “E-003364/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission Europe is only safe if its eastern border is secure, with strong and prosperous regions. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has amplified the already fragile demographic situation and negative economic dynamics in these regions. The Commission already undertook many steps following Russia’s war of aggression to address this: cross-border cooperation programmes with Russia and Belarus were suspended, - funding reallocated to EU internal cooperation and to cooperation with Ukraine and Moldova. EU-Ukraine solidarity lanes help enhance connectivity with Ukraine and Moldova; the mid-term review of cohesion policy introduced incentives to help eastern border regions, and the proposals for the next Multiannual Financial Framework require to address the specific challenges of eastern border regions in security and economic development in the future National and Regional Partnership Plans. The Commission is also preparing a Pact for eastern border regions building on the visits by the Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms to these regions, the meetings held with/close cooperation with all levels of stakeholders, and the many inputs collected, including via the replies to the call for evidence. The latter points to the need for a long-term dedicated support and particular attention to, inter alia, infrastructure and connectivity needs, be they investment in dual-use infrastructure, improved accessibility or military mobility.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-07-10 “E-002822/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission The very first European Climate Risk Assessment of 2024 1 has clearly shown that the energy sector will be one of the most impacted by climate change. Extreme weather events already need to be considered by Member States in drafting risk preparedness plans under the risk preparedness regulation for the electricity sector 2 . The plans must include related information on future grid development to cope with the identified risk scenarios, which must consider, among other things, rare and extreme natural hazards. The revision of the energy security framework, due in 2026, will assess additional measures to consider climate change impacts, and contribute overall to energy price stability. Moreover, as indicated in the Preparedness Union Strategy, the Commission will adopt next year an integrated framework for climate resilience and risk management 3 . As indicated in the Affordable Energy Action Plan, interconnections between Member States and energy storage capacities are vital to enhance security of supply and resilience to disruptions. The Regulation on Trans-European networks for energy (TEN-E) supports these goals by linking energy networks and fostering EU solidarity. Swift implementation of the electricity Projects of common interest (PCI) selected under this framework, is essential. 1 COM(2024) 91 final. 2 Regulation(EU) 2019/941 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on risk-preparedness in the electricity sector and repealing Directive 2005/89/EC. 3 https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/adaptation-and-resilience-climate-change/european-climate-resilienceand-risk-management-integrated-framework_en.”
  EU approach to electricity market and prices · EU energy infrastructure integration
• 2025-07-10 “E-002826/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission will put forward a European Affordable Housing Plan (EAHP) in 2026 and has launched a public consultation 1 in July 2025. The Plan will be based on relevant and robust data including that stemming from Eurostat 2 , such as, among others, overcrowding rate in the Member States. The EAHP will support EU countries, regions and cities in increasing the supply of affordable and sustainable housing and improve access to housing for people in need, taking into account the principle of subsidiarity. During the development of the EAHP, the Commission will carefully assess the entire situation, including the aspects the Honourable Member raised, and will consider appropriate actions on this basis. The Commission is committed to supporting investment in this area. In its proposal for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), affordable and social housing is explicitly identified amongst the objectives. Member States and regions would have the flexibility to prioritise housing-related reforms and investments under National and Regional Partnership Plans, with at least 14% of funding earmarked for social objectives. Additional support would be available through the European Competitiveness Fund, which includes social infrastructure. Under the current MFF, the Commission has encouraged greater use of Cohesion policy funds to support housing and has worked with the European Investment Bank to develop dedicated financial instruments 3 . It is up to Member States to revise their existing national and regional programmes to allocate additional resources to housing. 1 https://housing.ec.europa.eu/news/have-your-say-how-make-housing-more-affordable-2025-07-11_en. 2 The statistical office of the European Union. 3 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/information-sources/publications/communications/2025/a-modernisedcohesion-policy-the-mid-term-review_en.”
  EU housing policy
• 2025-07-10 “E-002824/2025 Answer given by Mr Serafin on behalf of the European Commission The new Connecting Europe Facility, as part of the proposals on 16 July 2025 in relation to the next multiannual Financial Framework, will contribute to finance the completion of the Trans-European Networks and foster the EU’s clean transition in energy and transport. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the need to decouple from Russian fossil fuels have underlined the vital importance of a genuine Energy Union and well-integrated EU infrastructure networks. The Connecting Europe Facility will give a renewed impulse to these essential investments in Europe’s resilience and security, including by supporting projects in the least connected parts of the Union, such as islands and the outermost regions. It will invest in cross-border interconnectors and grids, cross-border transport connections, offshore networks, renewable energy sources and storage and alternative fuels infrastructure, supporting the Union’s climate ambitions. The Facility will also fund dual-use civilian-military transport projects to enable seamless military mobility throughout the EU, a prerequisite for a stronger and better prepared European Defence Union. The proposed financial envelope for the implementation of the Connecting Europe Facility for the period 2028- 2034 is set at EUR 81.4 billion in current prices, with EUR 51.5 billion for the specific objectives on transport and military mobility and EUR 29.9 billion for the specific objectives on energy.”
  EU transport infrastructure integration · EU funding for transportation
• 2025-07-10 “E-002828/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission acknowledges the critical need for robust earthquake response measures and has reinforced the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) 1 to enhance this capability. The UCPM plays a pivotal role in coordinating emergency assistance among Member States and participating countries. Through its Emergency Response Coordination Centre, it can quickly mobilise in-kind assistance and expertise to help disaster-affected areas. For earthquakes, the UCPM can ensure the rapid deployment of search and rescue teams, emergency medical teams, medical supplies, and other relief items (e.g. shelter, energy items) based on the needs of the country requesting assistance. These assets can be mobilised as a part of the Member States' offers or under the European Civil Protection Pool and the rescEU 2 framework. Complementing what already exists at national level, the EU Stockpiling Strategy 3 outlines ways to develop emergency stockpiling in certain areas including for the rescEU strategic reserves (Annex 2 of the Strategy). To further enhance the EU’s crises response capabilities, the Commission tabled a proposal to revise the UCPM legal framework 4 and related budget in view of the next multi-annual financial framework. The EU Stockpiling Strategy and proposals to enhance the UCPM are vital to maintaining the EU's readiness and ability to assist countries affected by severe earthquakes or other crises. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02013D1313-20231218. 2 https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/resceu_en. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0528. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52025PC0548.”
  Government stockpiling of critical medicines
• 2025-07-10 “E-002827/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the media reports on the cybersecurity analysis of EU governmental institutions’ websites, conducted by the Business Digital Index research team. The Commission does not have sufficient information on the specific data that were used in this assessment and therefore cannot comment on the validity of its results. Regulation 2023/2841 1 contributes to improving the cybersecurity posture among all EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies. The Commission and all the other EU entities are working on its implementation, under the lead of the Interinstitutional Cybersecurity Board and with the support of the Cybersecurity Service for the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies (CERT-EU). However, the Commission cannot comment on cybersecurity matters of other entities. The Commission takes cybersecurity very seriously. It works on proactive measures, uses state-of-the-art detection and remediation tools, investigates every incident and applies strict policies to protect its own infrastructures and devices. The Commission relies on high levels of in-house expertise and close collaboration with peers and CERT-EU, and has heavily invested in state-of-the-art tools for monitoring, detection, and incident response. Through its CyberAware programme, the Commission provides its staff with resources, such as training, testing and learning sessions, to ensure that staff is aware of the increasing cyber threats and incidents and is empowered to have a safe online experience. 1 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2023/2841 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2023 laying down measures for a high common level of cybersecurity at the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union.”
  Cybersecurity investments for critical infrastructure
• 2025-07-10 “E-002825/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission Economic, social and territorial cohesion is a core element of the EU budget and will remain so. Cohesion policy puts a particular focus on disadvantaged regions – including less developed and outermost regions -, and citizens, helping tackle unemployment. Thanks to its place-based character, it addresses urban, rural and mountainous challenges or challenges linked to the remoteness of certain regions. Through targeted amendments to the fund-specific regulations, the Commission’s mid-term review legislative proposals 1 , adopted on 1 April 2025, will make cohesion policy more agile and aligned with today’s priorities by strengthening support for investments in defence, affordable housing, water resilience, the energy transition and competitiveness. In its proposal for the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework of 16 July 2025 2 , the Commission proposes to allocate EUR 865 billion to the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security, of which EUR 783 billion for the National and Regional Partnership (NRP) Plans. These Plans will streamline funding, enhance policy coherence, focus on results and empower Member States and regions to tailor support to their specific needs. For an NRP Plan to be approved, Member States will also have to demonstrate that it provides an effective and balanced response to the specific needs and challenges of all regions, and concentrates resources on less developed regions, which will continue to benefit from a higher EU cofinancing rate. Furthermore, social inclusion is reinforced by a binding 14% spending target, supporting employment, skills and housing. 1 COM (2025) 123; COM (2025) 164. 2 COM (2025) 570-571.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-07-10 “P-002823/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission The European Chemicals Industry Action Plan 1 , adopted on 8 July 2025, aims to strengthen chemical production in Europe, supporting both new facilities and the modernisation of existing assets. For this reason, the Commission intends to establish a Critical Chemicals Alliance together with Member States and stakeholders by the end of the year 2025. This Alliance will define criteria for identifying critical molecules and sites which could require dedicated policy support. Specifically for production sites, the Alliance will assist Member States and regions, in designating EU Critical Chemicals Sites to facilitate investments and improve access to finance for modernisation. This work will take into consideration existing regional clusters. The EU budget already supports decarbonisation projects through different schemes: Horizon Europe 2 , the Innovation Fund 3 and InvestEU 4 . Cohesion funding 5 , both under the current legal framework and the proposed updates, can support projects to modernize and strengthen the chemical industry at the regional level. The new Financial Framework and future national and regional partnership plans 6 will also aim to this goal. These efforts will also focus on European interregional value chains to ensure regions can sustainably leverage their assets. Under the next Multifinancial Framework (2028-2034) 7 , the proposed Competitiveness Fund 8 will expectedly also support decarbonisation efforts under one of its policy windows. 1 COM(2025)530. 2 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-opencalls/horizon-europe_en. 3 https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/innovation-fund_en. 4 https://investeu.europa.eu/index_en. 5 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/cohesion-fund_en. 6 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/whats-new/newsroom/17-07-2025-commission-proposes-more-flexibleand-performance-based-cohesion-policy-for-2028-2034_en. 7 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52025DC0570R%2801%29&qid=1753797062248. 8 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52025PC0555&qid=1753802586340.”
  EU industrial funding · Sourcing of critical raw materials
• 2025-03-31 “P-001314/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission 1. As underlined in the recent Commission’s communication on ‘The road to the next multiannual financial framework’ 1 (MFF), it is imperative that the next EU budget plays a central role in promoting the EU’s sustainable prosperity and bolstering economic, social and territorial cohesion. 2. In line with the political guidelines of the President of the Commission 2 and the abovementioned communication, the future EU budget will include a strengthened cohesion and growth policy with regions at the centre. At the core of the modernised EU budget should be a plan for each country with key reforms and investments, and focusing on joint priorities, including promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion, which will be designed and implemented in partnership with national, regional and local authorities. Delivering on EU priorities must be done together – with Member States and their regions shaping many of the EU investments on the ground, and the EU budget supporting and incentivising their action. Cohesion policy will continue to support all regions, with particular attention to the less developed ones. 3. The Commission is currently engaging with the EU institutions, including the European Parliament, Member States and stakeholders to help prepare the proposal for the next MFF, which it intends to present in July 2025. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/6d47acb4-9206-4d0f-8f9b3b10cad7b1ed_en?filename=Communication%20on%20the%20road%20to%20the%20next%20MFF_en.pdf 2 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-03-31 “E-001315/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission's proposal for the next multiannual financial framework will ensure a simpler, more focused and impactful budget aligned with EU priorities. Recognising the importance of food security and nature protection for Europe’s quality of life, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will aim to support farmers in a more targeted way, enhance environmental and social outcomes, and foster thriving rural areas in a simpler, more targeted manner, with the right balance between incentives, investment and regulation. The Commission is aware of the challenges in Romania's livestock sector. Several measures already exist and can be used to support the sector. Current solutions for this sector under the CAP framework such as coupled income support, sectoral interventions, and investments allow for targeted strategies without causing disproportionate trade distortion. Romania and other Member States also offer transitional national aid. Supporting breeding animal purchases is not in line with the current CAP rules. Fishing capacity ceilings are vital to prevent overfishing. The Commission recognises the challenges they may pose for fleet modernisation. Under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), Member States can already address additional capacity needs, as many have a margin between capacity ceilings and actual fishing capacity. An evaluation of the CFP Regulation is ongoing, with results expected in early 2026, to assess its suitability in today's context and emerging challenges.”
  Funding for fisheries and aquaculture · Agricultural funding
• 2025-02-26 “E-000862/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission The choice of the energy sources in the energy mix, and the decision to use or not use nuclear energy, remains within the remit of each Member State in accordance with the Treaty on Functioning of the EU 1 . In order to decarbonize its economy and to end energy dependencies on unreliable suppliers, the EU has been accelerating its energy transition plans. This transition must be technology neutral 2 . According to The Commission’s projections, all zero and low carbon energy solutions, including nuclear energy, are needed to meet the 2040 decarbonisation targets 3 . The Commission is committed to respecting and applying the principle of technological neutrality, as reflected in the Clean Industrial Deal (CID) 4 and the Affordable Energy Action Plan (AEAP) 5 . As announced in the AEAP, the Commission will assess investments needs in an updated Nuclear Illustrative Programme and the possibility of streamlining current permitting and licensing practices for the deployment of new nuclear technologies in the EU, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). In addition, the European Industrial Alliance on SMRs was launched to facilitate the deployment of first SMRs in the EU by early 2030s. The Commission will continue to support the work of the Alliance in line with the mission letter of the Commissioner for Energy and Housing. The Commission oversees the compatibility of State aid granted by Member States with the EU State aid rules. As announced in the CID, the Commission will assess the State aid for nuclear supply chains and technologies, including SMRs, in line with the Treaty and with respect to technological neutrality. 1 Article194 of the Treaty on Functioning of the European Union. 2 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: ‘A Competitiveness Compass for the EU’ (https://european-research-area.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/202501/COM%202025%2030%20-%20A%20Competitiveness%20Compass%20for%20the%20EU%20_%2029-12025.pdf). 3 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: ‘Securing Europe’s 2040 climate target and path to climate neutrality by 2050 building a sustainable, just and prosperous society’ (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2024%3A63%3AFIN). 4 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/9db1c5c8-9e82-467b-ab6a-905feeb4b6b0_en 5 https://energy.ec.europa.eu/document/download/7e2e6198-b6b8-46fe-b263984b437da3ab_en?filename=Communication%20-%20Action%20Plan%20for%20Affordable%20Energy.pdf”
  Energy transition (state support) · Nuclear energy
• 2025-02-26 “E-000863/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission EU storage levels are indeed lower than last year, but conform with the average of the 5-year reference period between 2016 and 2021. On 17 March 2025, EU storages are reported at 35%. The Commission Implementing Regulation 2024/2995 1 based on the Gas Storage Regulation (EU) 2022/1032 sets the gas storage filling trajectory for 2025 for each Member State. This Regulation helps ensuring that the EU enters the winter with a high level of gas storage, thereby supporting its security of supply. The Commission proposed on 5 March 2025 to prolong the current Gas Storage Regulation COM/2025/99 until the end of 2027 2 . This 2-year extension will contribute to ensuring continued security of energy supply across the EU, sufficient flexibility in filling trajectories, and stability of the European gas market. The Commission Recommendation C/2025/1481 3 invites EU countries to consider current market conditions and fully use existing flexibilities when deciding on measures to refill storage facilities this summer, allowing them to fill their storage facilities throughout the season at the best purchase conditions. The Commission will also continue monitoring the security of gas supply of the EU and coordinate any potential storage filling measures together with the Member States in the Gas Coordination Group. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R2995 2 https://energy.ec.europa.eu/publications/amending-regulation-eu-20171938-regards-role-gas-storage-securinggas-supplies-ahead-winter-season_en 3 https://energy.ec.europa.eu/publications/recommendation-implementation-gas-storage-filling-targets-2025_en”
  EU policy on gas storage targets · EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• 2025-02-14 “E-000700/2025 Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission The Commission recognises the critical role of high-quality infrastructure in ensuring connectivity and rapid response to crises at the EU’s borders. In the Multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2021-2027 negotiations, the Commission initially proposed EUR 6.5 billion for dual-use transport infrastructure under Connecting Europe Facility - Transport (CEF-T), but the final budget concluded by the Member States in the Council was reduced to EUR 1.7 billion. Since the adoption of the current MFF, geopolitical circumstances have changed significantly. In response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Commission accelerated the implementation of the military mobility budget, fully allocating it over three calls (2021 2023), supporting 95 projects in 21 Member States. The 2023 call alone saw funding requests totalling EUR 3.7 billion, demonstrating the increased urgency and the scale of investment needs. To enhance coordination and prioritisation, the Commission, in cooperation with the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), identified four EU military mobility corridors, endorsed by the EU Military Committee in October 2024. These corridors were included in the revised Annex II to the Military Requirements for Military Mobility 1 , adopted by the Council on 17 March 2025. Work is ongoing to assess main bottlenecks and investment needs on these corridors, particularly for short-term upgrades to enhance resilience and adapt to dual-use standards (e.g. rail capacity increase, tunnel widening, bridge reinforcements). 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=celex:52025JC0011”
  Defence spending · EU competences on defence
• 2024-10-24 “E-002259/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission On 28 June 2024, the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) Regulation 1 entered into force with the goal of bolstering the EU’s manufacturing base for net-zero technologies like solar photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, batteries and heat pumps. This Regulation seeks to enhance the competitiveness of the EU’s clean technology sector by simplifying permitting, attracting investment, and improving market access for green energy products. The NZIA sets ambitious benchmarks for net-zero manufacturing capacity to cover at least 40% of the EU's annual deployment needs by 2030, aiming to reach 15% of global production by 2040. The Net-Zero Europe Platform established under the NZIA will oversee its implementation and will also engage in international partnerships that can open up new export opportunities. To facilitate exports of green energy goods, the Commission negotiates a set of free trade agreements with third countries, which include dedicated chapters on trade of green energy goods that aim at removing trade barriers and reducing tariffs on trade of such goods. A new range of Clean Trade and Investment Partnerships have been recently announced in the Commission Political Guidelines 2 , which will also be used to promote EU exports of green energy goods and enhance resilience of EU supply chains in related sectors. Looking ahead, the Commission will make a proposal for a Clean Industrial Deal for competitive industries and quality jobs in the first 100 days of the mandate, which will also focus on simplifying, investing and ensuring access to affordable, sustainable and secure energy supplies and raw materials. 1 Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 (Text with EEA relevance), OJ L, 2024/1735, 28.6.2024. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf”
  "Buy European" provisions · Trade relations with China
• 2024-10-24 “P-002260/2024 Answer given by Ms Simson on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has been assessing the root causes for these high prices in Southeastern Europe and has engaged bilaterally with the respective Member States well before the European Council of 17-18 October 2024. The Commission observed that prices in the region have lowered significantly since midSeptember 2024. The high prices observed during summer 2024 were attributable mainly to tight supply-demand balance during certain evening hours, exacerbated by a lack of flexibility sources, weather conditions, low hydro reservoirs and insufficient interconnector capacity. The Commission is in continuous talks with Member States to support the implementation of tools to respond to price spikes without interfering with the proper functioning of the wholesale markets and the necessary investment incentives. These tools could for example mobilise demand-reduction during critical hours or incentivise investments in non-fossil flexibility. Also, the maximisation of the use of existing interconnections between the region and the rest of Europe is of crucial importance. The electricity legislative framework, including the recent Reform of the Electricity Market Design 1 , comprises tools to support the development of non-fossil flexibility – including storage capacity. The Commission continues to monitor closely the implementation of the EU energy legislation in national frameworks. In addition and in line with the Mission Letters and the Political Guidelines, the incoming Commission will continue to address these issues as part of its upcoming work on the action plan on affordable energy and the clean energy investment strategy. 1 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/12/14/reform-of-electricity-market-designcouncil-and-parliament-reach-deal/”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-09-27 “E-001857/2024 Answer given by Ms Simson on behalf of the European Commission With the European Green Deal, the Fit for 55 package and the REPower EU initiatives, the Commission provided a framework for tackling energy poverty, and empowering and protecting vulnerable consumers to ensure that the energy transition is just and inclusive. During this mandate, a first EU level definition of energy poverty has been adopted in the Energy Efficiency Directive 1 , which is important not only for acknowledging this serious situation, but also for establishing effective measures. The Commission published a recommendation 2 to support Member States in alleviating energy poverty. The Commission provided a legislative framework to ensure that consumers can effectively exercise their rights, receive clear information, have access to innovative offers, have access to and benefit from energy self-consumption, sharing and home management. The Renewable Energy Directive (Directive (EU) 2023/2413) enshrines energy communities, which are an effective tool contributing to energy resilience and autonomy. According to the political guidelines of the President of the Commission, the Commission will remain committed to reduce energy poverty. 1 Energy Efficiency directive (EU) 2023/1791. 2 C(2023) 4080 final.”
  Energy (green transition)