Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published between 06.04.2026 and 12.04.2026. During this period, 4 new PQs were published and 7 Commission Answers became available. Key themes this week included environmental health risks from chemicals and pollution, EU health security and strategic autonomy, the future of cancer funding, and the regulation of the health workforce.
❗ Recognition of professional qualifications for midwives
In a PQ (E-000753/26 from Marko Vešligaj, (S&D)), the Commission was asked about steps to align Directive 2005/36/EC on professional qualifications for midwives with international standards. In a response published on 7 April 2026, Commissioner Minzatu stated that the Commission is looking into adopting a delegated act in 2026 to update the minimum training requirements for midwives, based on a 2025 study and stakeholder consultations. The response clarified that while the Directive facilitates free movement, Member States remain responsible for their education systems and health policies.
❗ Alleged falsification of COVID-19 mortality statistics and EHDS implications
In a PQ (E-000205/26 from Gerald Hauser, (PfE)), an MEP raised concerns about an alleged instruction from a regional Italian health authority to classify certain deaths as COVID-19-related, asking about the Commission’s role and implications for the European Health Data Space (EHDS). In a response published on 7 April 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi clarified that the Commission did not issue guidance on using ICD-10 codes for classifying COVID-19 deaths, noting that ECDC surveillance guidance was based on definitions established at the national level. The answer further stated that investigating and correcting medical statistics falls within Member State competence and that the EHDS Regulation focuses on data availability and quality transparency, not data collection at the source.
❓ Strategic autonomy and preparedness for future health crises
In a PQ (E-001291/2026 from Elena Nevado del Campo, (PPE)), concerns were raised about the EU’s dependence on third countries for critical medical products like medical gloves, which was exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The question asks what measures the Commission is taking to strengthen strategic autonomy, ensure sufficient manufacturing capacity and strategic reserves, and what assessments of strategic dependencies have been carried out. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Prioritising cancer funding in the next MFF (2028-2034)
In a PQ (E-001292/2026 from Elena Nevado del Campo, (PPE)), an MEP expressed concern that integrating health policies into broader financial instruments in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) could reduce visibility and resources for the fight against cancer. The Commission was asked how it will ensure cancer remains a priority, prevent dilution of funding, and secure resources to continue Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Scrutiny of nutritional advice apps like Yuka
In a priority PQ (P-001322/2026 from Silvia Sardone, (PfE)), an MEP highlighted concerns that the food assessment app Yuka assigns low scores to a traditional high-quality Italian products, potentially creating unfair competition based on misleading information. The Commission is asked if it has analysed the scientific basis and competitive effects of such apps, and what actions it has taken to protect traditional food products. A response from the Commission is pending.
Chemicals & Pollution
❓ Accelerating the PFAS restriction proposal
Following the finalisation of scientific advice from ECHA and SEAC suggesting a public health emergency, a priority PQ (P-001351/2026 from Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, (Renew)) asks the Commission if it agrees on the need for a broad PFAS ban without delay. The question also queries whether delays in a legislative proposal would impose avoidable costs on the EU, estimated at EUR 440 billion, and if the Commission can reduce delays from formal consultations. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Ecodesign regulations for residential solid fuel heating
In a PQ (E-000364/26 from Martin Günther, (The Left)), the Commission was questioned on the less strict emission requirements for residential solid fuel heating compared to the transport sector, given that residential burning is a major source of fine particulate matter. In a response published on 7 April 2026, Commissioner Jørgensen stated that the Commission is reviewing existing ecodesign measures and preparing impact assessments. These assessments are considering policy options including the implementation of emission-abatement technologies like electrostatic precipitators. The review’s main focus is on improving real-life emissions of regulated pollutants, and the implementation of a more representative test cycle is a key goal.
❗ Environmental legislation, legal certainty, and the Water Framework Directive
In a series of PQs (E-000209/26 from César Luena, (S&D) and E-000487/26), MEPs raised concerns about the environmental omnibus package and the upcoming revision of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Questions focused on preventing the weakening of environmental protections, justifying changes to the Industrial Emissions Directive, and ensuring a rigorous impact assessment for the WFD revision, particularly concerning mining projects. In responses published on 7 April 2026, Commissioner Roswall clarified that the omnibus package aims to reduce administrative burdens without affecting environmental objectives. The Commission noted that projects of ‘overriding public interest’ still require case-by-case assessment. Regarding the WFD, the Commission confirmed it will conduct a proportionate impact assessment and consultation process, and will soon adopt guidance on WFD implementation for permitting new projects, with a focus on the mining sector.
Climate Change & Food Safety
❗ Future EU climate resilience law
Following a report from the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change, a PQ (E-000672/26 from César Luena, (S&D)) asked how the Commission will ensure the future climate resilience law includes clear obligations and integrates scientific recommendations. In a response published on 7 April 2026, Commissioner Hoekstra stated that the Advisory Board’s report is an important element for preparing the Integrated European Framework for Climate Resilience, planned for late 2026. The Commission will assess the balance of approaches, including legislative obligations, in its impact assessment and confirmed that nature-based solutions are central to its adaptation and mitigation policies.
❗ Health checks on imported meat and food safety standards
In a PQ (E-000082/26 from Vicent Marzà Ibáñez, (Verts/ALE)), an MEP raised concerns about the low percentage of physical checks on products imported into the EU and the potential for unfair competition for EU producers. In a response published on 7 April 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi clarified that the figures cited by the MEP do not apply to meat imports, which are subject to a harmonised, risk-based system of mandatory official controls under Regulation (EU) 2017/625. The Commission stated that EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements are non-negotiable and that it will reinforce enforcement through more audits, closer monitoring, and additional training for Member States’ officials.
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
