European Parliament

01/16/2025 | Press release | Archived content

Lack of technological neutrality in Commissioner Jørgensen’s updated mission letter

Lack of technological neutrality in Commissioner Jørgensen's updated mission letter

16.1.2025

Question for written answer E-000177/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Beatrice Timgren (ECR), Charlie Weimers (ECR), Nicola Procaccini (ECR), Aurelijus Veryga (ECR), Georgiana Teodorescu (ECR), Elena Donazzan (ECR), Alessandro Ciriani (ECR), Dick Erixon (ECR), Mariateresa Vivaldini (ECR), Giovanni Crosetto (ECR), Ondřej Krutílek (ECR), Carlo Ciccioli (ECR)

President von der Leyen stated before her vote for Commission President: 'We will stick to the targets of the European Green Deal with pragmatism, technology-neutrality and innovation'[1]. However, the recently updated mission letter for Commissioner Jørgensen introduces a specific renewables target for 2040, raising serious concerns as it clearly violates the principle of technological neutrality[2].

The change was introduced quietly on 1 December 2024, just days after the College of Commissioners' vote on 27 November. This lack of transparency and consultation undermines trust in the process. Prioritising specific technologies over outcome-based targets, such as decarbonisation, energy security and affordability, risks sidelining proven low-carbon solutions, such as nuclear energy, which are essential to achieving EU climate goals.

In the light of this, can the Commission clarify the following:

  • 1.Why was a renewables target for 2040 quietly included without broader consultation, immediately after the College's vote?
  • 2.How does the Commission plan to uphold the principle of technological neutrality and ensure equal treatment of all low-carbon technologies, in line with President von der Leyen's statement at Parliament?
  • 3.What steps will the Commission take to safeguard the Member States' right to determine their energy mix, as guaranteed under Article 194 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union?

Submitted: 16.1.2025

  • [1] https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/news/statement-european-parliament-plenary-president-ursula-von-der-leyen-candidate-second-mandate-2024-2024-07-18_en.
  • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/about/organisation/college-commissioners/dan-jorgensen_en.