Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published between 02.02.2026 and 08.02.2026. During this period, 21 new PQs were published and 10 Commission Answers became available. Key themes this week included public health and prevention, with a focus on non-communicable diseases, mental health, and legacy issues from the COVID-19 pandemic. Other significant topics were medicines regulation and access, particularly concerning shortages and innovative therapies, the resilience of health systems and workforce, and the intersection of environmental policy and health, including food safety and pollution.
COVID-19 Legacy & Data Integrity
❓Low COVID-19 mortality rates in Finland and Estonia
In E-000367/2026, published on 04.02.2026, MEP Gerald Hauser (PfE) asks the Commission about its COVID-19 mortality statistics and why it did not promote natural prevention methods like saunas, which a study hypothesised could have contributed to lower mortality rates in Finland and Estonia. The MEP also questions why experimental vaccines were prioritised over such methods. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Officially ordered falsification of COVID-19 mortality statistics
Published on 05.02.2026, E-000205/2026 from MEP Gerald Hauser (PfE) questions the Commission about an alleged official instruction from the South Tyrol Health Authority in Italy to classify all home mortalities with flu-like symptoms as COVID-19 related. The MEP asks if the Commission issued similar instructions, what measures it will take to investigate this alleged falsification, and how it will prevent future occurrences, particularly in the context of the European Health Data Space (EHDS). A response from the Commission is pending.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
❗Improving young people’s wellbeing and addressing social withdrawal
In a response published on 03.02.2026 to E-004803/25, Commissioner Micallef stated that while there is no specific EU monitoring system for hikikomori, the Commission tracks youth mental health and social exclusion through various tools like the Youth Wiki. The response highlights that the EU addresses these issues through the EU Youth Strategy, Erasmus+, and a comprehensive approach to mental health with a focus on prevention and early intervention for young people, supported by initiatives in education, culture, and sport.
❓ Access to mental health care in the outermost regions
MEPs Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE) and others ask in E-000321/2026, published on 04.02.2026, how the Commission intends to adapt the use of European funds (ERDF, ESF+) for the outermost regions to address specific challenges in mental healthcare. The question cites the example of Réunion, which faces shortages of healthcare workers, funding gaps for critical units like suicide prevention, and insufficient recognition of innovative therapies. A response from the Commission is pending.
Prevention & Disease Management
❗ Commission support for individuals with autism and advice on paracetamol use in pregnancy
In a response published on 03.02.2026 to E-004205/25, Commissioner Várhelyi outlined that the Commission supports individuals with autism through its focus on preventive health under the ‘Healthier together’ initiative and projects like the Joint Action JADE Health. The EU has invested EUR 250 million in autism research. Regarding paracetamol use during pregnancy, the Commissioner confirmed that the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) advice remains unchanged: paracetamol can be used when needed, as current scientific data does not warrant a change in recommendations.
❗ Tackling cancer inequalities across the EU
Responding to E-004853/25 on 03.02.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi highlighted the European Cancer Inequalities Registry as a key tool for monitoring disparities in cancer care. The Commission supports Member States in addressing these inequalities through EU4Health funding for initiatives like EUCanScreen, which focuses on equitable access to screening, and EUnetCCC, which aims to ensure 90% of eligible patients have access to high-quality care in a Comprehensive Cancer Centre. The performance of national public procurement contracts, however, remains a national responsibility.
❗ EU actions on Lyme borreliosis diagnostics and research
In a response published on 02.02.2026 to E-004611/25, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the Commission has designated an EU reference laboratory (EURL) for high-risk pathogens, including Lyme borreliosis, which began its work in January 2025. The EURL will support national labs to improve diagnostic methods. The EU has invested approximately EUR 16.5 million in research on Lyme disease through programmes like Horizon, with further funding opportunities planned. The organisation of treatment remains a national competence.
❗ EU approach to non-communicable diseases and women’s health
On 05.02.2026, in response to E-004732/25, Commissioner Várhelyi explained that the Commission addresses non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like uterine fibroids through the prevention-oriented ‘Healthier Together’ initiative, supported by the EU4Health programme. While the organisation of healthcare is a Member State responsibility, the EU facilitates collaboration and best practice exchange. The Commission also supports research through Horizon Europe, having invested over EUR 1.3 billion in projects related to women’s health under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe.
❗ Regulation of electronic cigarettes and the Tobacco Products Directive
In a response published on 03.02.2026 to E-004076/25, Commissioner Várhelyi confirmed that the Tobacco Products Directive 2014/40/EU regulates electronic cigarettes to ensure consumer safety and the functioning of the internal market. The Commission is currently evaluating this directive and the Tobacco Advertising Directive, with a focus on young people’s access to novel products. The findings will inform a planned legislative revision in 2026, as part of the EU cardiovascular health plan, while enforcement of current rules remains a Member State responsibility.
❓ Dramatic demographic trend in the EU
MEP Gerald Hauser (PfE) asks in E-000073/2026, published on 03.02.2026, what action the Commission will take to assist single mothers to ensure abortion is not their only recourse. The question links falling birth rates to vaccination status, mass immigration, and the ‘My Voice, My Choice’ initiative for abortion care, citing abortion as the leading cause of death worldwide according to the WHO. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Contamination of infant milk and strategic dependence
In E-000377/2026, published on 04.02.2026, MEP Catherine Griset (PfE) questions the Commission about widescale recalls of contaminated infant milk since December 2025. She asks why European health alert and traceability mechanisms did not provide a quicker response and whether the Commission will take action to strengthen rules on controls and supply chain security to address critical industrial dependence on non-EU suppliers. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Sufficiency of medicine supplies and support for Greece
MEP Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE) asks in E-000276/2026, published on 02.02.2026, about recurrent shortages of critical medicines in Greece. The question highlights delays in accessing new treatments and asks if the Commission intends to integrate specific support tools for Member States facing systematic shortages and how it plans to strengthen Europe-wide coordination to prevent and address this issue. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Unequal access to gene therapies for rare diseases following EMA authorisation
Published on 05.02.2026, E-000331/2026 from MEP Alvise Pérez (NI) raises the issue of unequal access to Vyjuvek, a gene therapy for a rare disease, following its approval by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The MEP asks if the Commission is aware of these access disparities, whether this situation is compatible with EU health policy objectives, and what measures it can activate to ensure faster and more equitable access to innovative therapies for rare diseases. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓Consumer safety under the Omnibus VI package for chemical products
In E-000068/2026, published on 05.02.2026, MEP Beatrice Timgren (ECR) questions the Commission on the Omnibus VI proposal, which amends the Cosmetic Products Regulation regarding substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction (CMR). The MEP notes that an automatic ban on certain fragrance ingredients could require the reformulation of up to 85% of cosmetic products, creating a burden for SMEs. The question asks how the Commission will ensure realistic adaptation timelines while avoiding disproportionate impacts on competitiveness. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Information and digitalisation of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
In a reply published on 05.02.2026 to E-005033/25, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu stated that the Commission’s assessment is that the provision of EU-level and national information about the EHIC is overall satisfactory. The Administrative Commission for the Coordination of Social Security Systems facilitates annual updates of national information, which is available on the EHIC and Your Europe portals. The European Labour Authority (ELA) is also running a communication campaign. The digitalisation of the EHIC through the European Social Security Pass initiative is expected to further promote its use.
❓ Ensuring EU funding and accountability to address healthcare workforce shortages
MEPs Olivier Chastel (Renew), Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová (Renew), and Irena Joveva (Renew) ask in E-000363/2026, published on 05.02.2026, what specific measures the Commission will take to ensure EU funding programmes prioritise initiatives to improve the healthcare workforce situation. They also ask if the Commission would encourage Member States to report on their related investments through the European Semester and how it plans to secure adequate funding in the next multiannual financial framework. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ New deaths at work in Greece
Published on 03.02.2026, E-000325/2026 from MEP Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left) highlights the rising number of fatal workplace accidents in Greece, despite the EU’s ‘Vision Zero’ approach. Citing over 200 deaths in 2025 and 14 since the start of 2026, the MEP asks how the Commission intends to strengthen labour inspections, tackle under-reporting of accidents, and ensure that ‘Vision Zero’ becomes a binding commitment rather than a voluntary target. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ EU-Mercosur agreement, food safety, and import standards
In a response published on 04.02.2026 to P-000095/26, Mr Šefčovič acknowledged concerns about the EU-Mercosur Agreement, stating that all food products must comply with EU sanitary requirements, enforced through border controls and audits. The Commission will pursue stronger alignment of production standards, including ensuring hazardous pesticides banned in the EU are not present in imported products, and is assessing equivalent animal welfare standards for imports. A task force will strengthen import controls, with a 50% increase in audits in third countries planned.
❗ Water quality and implementation of the Water Framework Directive in Denmark
Responding to E-004875/25 on 05.02.2026, Ms Roswall noted that the Commission’s evaluation of Denmark’s River Basin Management Plans has identified significant implementation challenges, as almost all coastal waters, including the Limfjord, have failed to achieve good chemical and ecological status. The Commission intends to raise these issues during the upcoming Structured Water Dialogue with Denmark and reserves the right to take enforcement actions, prioritising cases that point to a systemic breach of EU law.
❗ EU framework for nuclear and radiological emergencies
In a response published on 04.02.2026 to E-004679/25, Mr Jørgensen clarified that Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom requires Member States to have emergency response plans and to inform the public about health protection measures. However, the publication of the full operational plans is a national responsibility. The Commissioner also stated that the Euratom Treaty applies only to peaceful uses of nuclear energy, meaning the Commission has no mandate to address military applications such as nuclear warheads or nuclear-powered military vessels.
❓ Contaminated beef imported from Brazil to the EU
In P-000417/2026, published on 03.02.2026, MEP Ciaran Mullooly (Renew) raises concerns about beef contaminated with the banned hormone estradiol entering the EU from Brazil. The MEP asks for details on the source of the contamination, whether the responsible processing plant has been suspended, and why no Rapid Alert System notification was issued before the meat was consumed. The question seeks clarification on corrective actions to ensure EU food safety law is applied equally to non-EU exporters. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Increased consumer health risks from products originating in MERCOSUR
MEP Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR) asks in E-000385/2026, published on 06.02.2026, about public health protection in the single market in light of the EU-MERCOSUR agreement process. Citing a Commission audit that revealed gaps in Brazil’s compliance declarations, the MEP questions the level of public awareness of health risks from imported products, whether the Commission will propose measures for consumer transparency (like enhanced labelling), and what reinforcements to national health systems may be needed. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Ecodesign regulations for residential solid fuel heating
Published on 05.02.2026, E-000364/2026 from MEP Martin Günther (The Left) highlights that residential wood and coal burning is a major source of fine particulate matter emissions. The MEP asks if the Commission will mandate the best available technologies (e.g., precipitators) in revised ecodesign regulations, establish limits for black carbon and ultrafine particles, and include comprehensive real-world testing to close the gap between laboratory and actual emissions. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Scientific reliability of EU policies on microplastics
In E-000382/2026, published on 05.02.2026, MEPs Susanna Ceccardi (PfE) and others question the scientific reliability of EU policies on microplastics. Citing recent scientific debate about the risk of false positives in detecting microplastics in the human body, they ask what validated evidence supports the current regulatory framework, if the Commission is aware of these methodological problems, and if it will push for an independent review of the science behind the 2023 legislation. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Anti-dumping enforcement and forced-labour risks in the disposable medical gloves sector
MEP Gabriel Mato (PPE) asks in E-000309/2026, published on 05.02.2026, about the risk of dumping and forced labour in the disposable medical gloves sector, particularly concerning imports from parts of Asia. The MEP questions how the Commission assesses this risk, whether it monitors links between low prices and labour rights violations, and how it coordinates anti-dumping instruments with forced-labour enforcement to ensure fair competition. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Commission’s guarantees against weakening the EU’s environmental and climate acquis
In P-000447/2026, published on 06.02.2026, MEP César Luena (S&D) asks the Commission for guarantees that it will not weaken key environmental legislation like the Nature Restoration Law, Habitats Directive, and Water Framework Directive. The question notes that these rules are crucial for public health and asks if the Commission will reaffirm its commitment to maintaining high levels of protection and uphold the principle of non-regression in European standards. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Mechanisms to address the impact of Storm Kristin in Portugal
Published on 05.02.2026, P-000402/2026 from MEPs Paulo Cunha (PPE) and others asks how the Commission is tracking the impact of Storm Kristin in Portugal, which has caused fatalities and significant damage. In light of the ‘state of disaster’ declared by the Portuguese Government, the MEPs ask what present and future mechanisms the Commission is considering putting into action to address the situation. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓Digital sovereignty in the EU
In E-000349/2026, published on 05.02.2026, MEP Katri Kulmuni (Renew) raises concerns about the EU’s digital sovereignty, noting that many cloud services used for critical functions like social and healthcare data are controlled by US companies. The MEP asks if the EU should build its own common cloud infrastructure, if the Commission has estimates of payments to US cloud companies, and what practical steps it will take to reduce the EU’s dependence on non-EU operators. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ European Competitiveness Fund and accountability for its implementation
MEP Piotr Müller (ECR) asks in E-000252/2026, published on 02.02.2026, about the proposed European Competitiveness Fund, which includes health as a key area. Citing a European Court of Auditors opinion that highlighted imprecise definitions and a lack of independent verification, the MEP asks for the specific criteria the Commission will use to assess the fund’s impact, how it will ensure reliable verification of spending, and what mechanisms will prevent overlap with other EU instruments. A response from the Commission is pending.
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
