Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published between Monday 26.01.2026 and Sunday 01.02.2026. During this period, 15 new PQs were published and 19 Commission Answers became available. Key themes this week included health systems resilience, particularly in Greece and Italy; medicines regulation, covering vaccine safety, drug standards, and new therapies; and public health policy, with a focus on tobacco, nutrition, food safety, and reproductive rights. The intersection of environmental policy and public health also emerged as a key concern.
Pharmaceutical Safety & Standards
❗ EMA review of COVID-19 vaccine safety data
In a response to question E-004660/2025, published on 26.01.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi addressed concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccine safety. He stated that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has found no evidence of an increase in deaths related to vaccination in any age group. The Commission clarified that while anyone can report adverse events, causality is only established after a full review, and that cases of sudden cardiac death after vaccination are not suspected to be caused by the vaccines. It was reiterated that myocarditis and pericarditis are very rare side effects, and are more common and severe following a COVID-19 infection than after vaccination.
❗ Authorisation and monitoring standards for all medicines
In a reply to question E-004447/2025 published on 26.01.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi confirmed that all medicinal products in the EU, whether reference products, generics, or biosimilars, must comply with the same rigorous requirements for quality, safety, and efficacy. He stated that there are no double standards and that international standards like good clinical practice and good manufacturing practice apply universally, with compliance verified through inspections. The Falsified Medicines Directive further ensures that only licensed pharmacies and approved retailers can offer medicines for sale.
❗ Manufacturing standards and the Critical Medicines Act
In response to question E-004499/2025, published on 27.01.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi affirmed that all medicines marketed in the EU must meet high standards for quality, safety, and efficacy, regardless of their manufacturing location. He highlighted the legally binding good manufacturing practice standards and measures against falsified medicines. The Commission also pointed to its proposal for a Critical Medicines Act, which aims to strengthen Europe’s manufacturing capacity for critical medicines and reduce dependencies on third countries.
Innovation & New Therapies
❓ Commercial exploitation of experimental cancer therapies
MEP Liesbet Sommen (PPE) submitted a question (E-000200/2026) published on 27.01.2026 regarding ‘therapy tourism’ where terminally ill cancer patients seek unproven treatments in other Member States. The question asks if the Commission acknowledges that differing national regulations lead to risks and commercial exploitation, whether it can introduce minimum standards for such treatments, and if it is willing to investigate a European reporting point for negative experiences with experimental therapies as part of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ EU funding for mRNA vaccine research
In an answer to question E-004349/2025 published on 27.01.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi confirmed that the EU supported research on mRNA vaccines through the Seventh Framework Programme and Horizon 2020, as part of a EUR 254 million portfolio on cancer immunotherapy. Horizon Europe continues to provide funding opportunities. The Commission also noted that while clinical trial authorisation is a Member State competence, it has proposed amendments via the EU Biotech Act to accelerate the process. Companies can also request accelerated assessment for marketing authorisation from the EMA for products of significant public health interest.
❗ EU authorisation of Ozempic and similar GLP-1 drugs
Replying to question E-004816/2025 on 30.01.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi provided details on the EU marketing authorisations for Ozempic (semaglutide) and related GLP-1 receptor antagonists like Saxenda, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. The Commission confirmed these products are indicated for type 2 diabetes or weight management and are subject to medical prescription. However, it stated that it has no competence regarding their affordability, as decisions on pricing and reimbursement are the responsibility of Member States.
National Health System Challenges
❓ The collapse of the Greek national health system
In a question (E-000269/2026) published on 30.01.2026, MEP Galato Alexandraki (ECR) highlights the operational crisis in Greek public hospitals due to understaffing and brain drain. The question asks the Commission how it assesses the situation’s compatibility with equal access to health, whether it will propose binding minimum staffing and funding thresholds across the EU, and what measures it intends to take to address the healthcare brain drain. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Shortcomings in the Greek National Centre for Emergency Care
MEP Galato Alexandraki (ECR) submitted a question (E-004728/2025) published on 27.01.2026 concerning understaffing and equipment shortages at the Greek National Centre for Emergency Care (EKAB), particularly in island and remote areas. The question asks if the Commission has considered infringement procedures against Greece for failing to meet minimum standards and what EU funding tools can be used immediately to recruit paramedics and renew the ambulance fleet. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Regional inequalities in healthcare provision in Italy
Published on 30.01.2026, a question (E-000263/2026) from MEP Giuseppe Antoci (The Left) raises concerns about growing regional disparities in the provision of essential levels of care (LEA) in Italy, particularly the gap between northern and southern regions. The MEP asks what steps the Commission will take to monitor and combat these inequalities and whether it supports increased coordination and monitoring in the implementation of Italy’s NRRP health mission. A response from the Commission is pending.
Workforce & Access to Care
❗ Assaults on healthcare workers
In a response to question E-004510/2025 published on 28.01.2026, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu reiterated that under EU law, employers have a duty to ensure the safety and health of workers, which includes assessing and mitigating risks like assaults on healthcare staff. The Commission stated that while it does not intend to establish a specific monitoring system for attacks, it has supported the European Mental Health of Nurses and Doctors (MeND) survey, which collected data on workplace violence, and will provide further capacity-building support to Member States on this issue through the WHO.
❗ Health infrastructure on the Aegean islands
Responding to question E-004579/2025 on 27.01.2026, Executive Vice-President Fitto acknowledged the challenges faced by the Aegean islands. The Commission detailed that in the 2021–2027 programming period, cohesion policy regional programmes for the South and North Aegean benefit from increased funding of EUR 679 million, which includes EUR 28 million for health and hospital infrastructures and EUR 9.4 million for healthcare services. Additional support is provided through sectoral programmes and Greece’s recovery and resilience plan.
❗ Cross-border coordination of disability benefits
In an answer to question E-004441/2025 published on 28.01.2026, Commissioner Lahbib clarified that while Member States are responsible for their own social security schemes, EU law coordinates these systems to protect citizens’ rights when moving across borders. The Commission noted its proposal to revise coordination rules for long-term care benefits and highlighted the new European Disability Card, which will provide proof of disability for accessing services during short stays. The Commission will assess remaining gaps in free movement for persons with disabilities by 2029.
Reproductive Health
❓ Planned funding mechanism for cross-border abortion
Published on 26.01.2026, a question (E-000100/2026) from MEP Marcin Sypniewski (ESN) concerns the European Citizens’ Initiative ‘My Voice, My Choice’. It asks the Commission how it plans to set up a financial mechanism to support abortion services, whether countries like Poland or Malta could be treated differently in accessing EU health funds if they do not fund such measures, and how it will ensure Member State competence in healthcare organisation is respected. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Funding of the European Citizen’s Initiative ‘My Voice, My Choice’
A priority question (P-000238/2026) from a group of MEPs led by Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR), published on 27.01.2026, asks about the funding of the ECI ‘My Voice, My Choice’. The MEPs ask the Commission to clarify if the ECI or its affiliates have received direct or indirect EU funding, how the Commission ensures EU funds are not indirectly used to support an ECI, and if it is willing to limit lobby activities. A response from the Commission is pending.
Tobacco, Food & Nutrition
❓ Use of EU funds for studies on smoke-free environments
MEPs Isabella Tovaglieri (PfE) and Paolo Borchia (PfE) submitted a question (E-000250/2026) published on 29.01.2026, raising concerns about the use of EU funds for activities that they argue encroach on Member State competencies, specifically regarding smoke-free environments. They ask for the cost of consulting contracts for studies on smoke-free environments and tobacco taxation, as well as the time and money spent on the related Commission staff working document. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Revision of the Tobacco Taxation Directive
In a response published on 30.01.2026 to question P-004977/2025, Commissioner Hoekstra stated that the proposed revision of the Tobacco Taxation Directive takes into account the social and economic conditions of Member States. The Commission explained that the applicable minimum excise rates will be modulated based on a partial purchasing power parity approach, which will better reflect the affordability of tobacco products in each Member State, encourage smoking cessation, and help reduce cross-border flows.
❓ EU-wide withdrawals of infant formula
MEP Biljana Borzan (S&D) tabled a priority question (P-000308/2026) published on 30.01.2026, following recent EU-wide recalls of infant formula due to suspected contamination. The question asks when the Commission was first informed of the risks, how it assesses the adequacy of existing EU food safety rules for infant formula, and what immediate measures it has taken to ensure accountability and review the relevant regulations. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Nitrites in processed meat and cancer risk
In an answer to question E-004753/2025 published on 30.01.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi noted that while the IARC classifies processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen, EFSA has concluded that nitrite additives are not carcinogenic and has established an Acceptable Daily Intake. The Commission does not intend to propose further measures on nitrites, as new lower maximum levels were recently adopted, but is considering limits on nitrosamines in foods. It also does not consider front-of-pack warnings appropriate for nitrite-cured products.
❗ Safety of energy drinks and caffeine intake for minors
Responding to question P-004940/2025 on 30.01.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi referenced EFSA’s 2015 opinion on caffeine safety, which concluded that single doses of caffeine considered safe for adults (3 mg/kg body weight) can also be applied to children and adolescents. The Commission stated that the regulation of marketing practices for energy drinks falls within Member State competence, with some having already introduced sales restrictions to minors. The Commission will consider whether an update of EFSA’s assessment is warranted based on new evidence.
Disease Prevention & Demographics
❗ Data collection for cancer screening programmes
In a response to question E-004694/2025 published on 28.01.2026, Executive Vice-President Fitto explained that under EU rules, Member States are required to provide the Commission with data on health, including cancer screening programmes. He noted that the 2022 Council Recommendation on cancer screening recommends Member States report on implementation, with these data to be compiled in the third EU cancer screening monitoring report. Performance indicators such as participation and detection rates have been defined through the EU4Health-funded project CanScreen-ECIS.
❓ Addressing the gender health gap in research
A cross-party group of MEPs led by Catarina Martins (The Left) submitted an oral question (O-000004/2026) published on 30.01.2026, highlighting that medical research often fails to consider gender and sex differences. The question asks how the Commission plans to ensure the next research framework programme (FP10) addresses the gender health gap, what measures will promote research into understudied areas of women’s health, and if it will consider mandatory requirements for disaggregated data collection in EU-funded health projects. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Combating ageism through an intergenerational fairness strategy
Published on 29.01.2026, a question (E-000227/2026) from a group of MEPs including Idoia Mendia (S&D) and Michał Szczerba (PPE) addresses the issue of ageism. It asks if the Commission will propose a dedicated action plan within its upcoming intergenerational fairness strategy, what the findings of its study on ageism are, and whether it will express support for a legally binding UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ EU actions against ageism and discrimination
In a joint reply to questions E-004718/2025 and E-004719/2025 published on 27.01.2026, Commissioner Lahbib noted that the proposal for an Equal Treatment Directive, which would extend protection against discrimination on grounds of age in areas like healthcare, remains a pending file. While no separate action plan against ageism is planned, age-related considerations are integrated into policies like the European Pillar of Social Rights and the European Care Strategy. EU legislation already prohibits age discrimination in employment.
❗ EU Drugs Strategy and public health
In an answer to question E-004831/2025 published on 27.01.2026, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu referred to the new EU Drugs Strategy adopted in December 2025, which focuses on five key areas including protecting public health and strengthening prevention, treatment, and reintegration measures. The Commission stressed that the organisation and delivery of health services, including drug treatment, remains a Member State responsibility. The reply also clarified that EU labour law does not impose a general obligation to convert fixed-term contracts into permanent ones.
❓ Protecting minors from risks of AI companion chatbots
A question (E-000256/2026) from a large cross-party group of MEPs led by Brando Benifei (S&D), published on 30.01.2026, raises alarm over the mental health risks posed to minors by AI companion chatbots. Citing cases of emotional dependence and failure to escalate crisis disclosures, the MEPs ask what actions the Commission is taking to enforce the AI Act’s prohibition on manipulative practices and whether it will propose binding EU legislation for harmonised age-assurance measures. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Health funding in the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034
In a response to question E-004760/2025 published on 30.01.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi outlined the Commission’s proposal for the MFF 2028-2034. The proposed European Competitiveness Fund includes a dedicated policy window on Health, Agriculture and Bioeconomy with a budget of EUR 20.4 billion, complemented by EUR 19.6 billion for collaborative research under Horizon Europe. The Commission aims to support health priorities such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and preventive and mental health. Member States can also use their National and Regional Partnership Plans to support health system investments.
Environmental Regulation & Health Impacts
❓ Justification for the Environmental Omnibus package
MEP Martin Günther (The Left) submitted a question (E-000217/2026) published on 30.01.2026, challenging the Commission’s justification for the Environmental Omnibus package. The question argues that the Commission presents a false dichotomy between environmental protection and economic competitiveness, and asks what empirical evidence and economic modelling supports the claim that the measures will enhance EU competitiveness, and for these studies to be published. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Environmental omnibus and the Water Framework Directive
In a question (E-000209/2026) published on 28.01.2026, MEP César Luena (S&D) expresses concern that the repeated use of omnibus packages raises doubts over legal certainty and respect for public health objectives. The question asks how the Commission will prevent the weakening of key directives, and in relation to the announced revision of the Water Framework Directive, how it will ensure a rigorous impact assessment that preserves environmental and health protection objectives. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Landfill and air quality standards in Spain
In an answer to question E-004495/2025 published on 27.01.2026, Commissioner Roswall stated that the Landfill Directive aims to prevent pollution and health risks, and permits should not be granted if a site poses a serious environmental risk. Regarding air quality in Pinto, Spain, the Commission noted that according to Spanish authorities, no limit values were exceeded in 2024. While national authorities are primarily responsible for ensuring compliance, the Commission will continue to monitor the situation and may take action in cases of systemic non-compliance.
❗ Water resilience and leakage reduction in Greece
Responding to question E-004381/2025 on 27.01.2026, Commissioner Roswall highlighted the Water Resilience Strategy and the recast Drinking Water Directive, which requires Member States to assess and reduce water leakage. Greece was required to report on its leakage levels by 12 January 2026. The Commission will establish a leakage threshold by 2028, and Member States exceeding it must present an action plan by 2030. Cohesion Policy programmes support Greece with an EU contribution of EUR 71.7 million for measures including leakage reduction.
Food Chain & Workplace Safety
❓ New Genomic Techniques and the precautionary principle
MEP Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left) submitted a question (E-005008/2025) published on 27.01.2026, arguing that the proposed Regulation on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) deregulates GMOs and poses risks to health, the environment, and biodiversity. The question asks how the Commission justifies undermining the precautionary principle and consumers’ right to information, what actions it will take to protect biodiversity and organic farming, and how it ensures the legislation does not serve agro-industrial interests. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in dried herbs and herbal infusions
In an answer to question E-004485/2025 published on 27.01.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi confirmed the Commission has received new data from industry associations on the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in dried herbs and infusions. Discussions are ongoing within the relevant working group to review the maximum levels for PAs, taking this new data into account. The Commission reiterated that these maximum levels are established based on the ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ principle and apply equally to EU products and imports.
❓ Workplace safety at the Taranto steelworks
Following a fatal accident at the Acciaierie d’Italia steelworks in Taranto, MEPs Valentina Palmisano, Mario Furore, and Dario Tamburrano (The Left) submitted a question (E-000229/2026) published on 30.01.2026. They ask if the Commission is aware of flawed implementation of EU safety standards at the plant, what tools it is using to monitor compliance, and whether it will promote initiatives to prevent fatal accidents and ensure implementation of CJEU judgments concerning the plant. A response from the Commission is pending.
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