📑 Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published between 05.07.2026 and 12.07.2026. During this period, 15 new PQs were published and 15 Commission Answers became available. Key themes this week included medicines safety and supply, occupational health and cross-border emergency response, tobacco regulation, food safety and additives, and environmental health regulations.
❓ COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and liability
in a series of PQs (E-002576/2026 from Gerald Hauser, (PfE), E-002212/2026 from Gerald Hauser, (PfE)), concerns were raised regarding the Commission’s communication on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and the liability exemptions in the contract with Moderna. The MEP questioned whether the Commission would acknowledge potential shortcomings in the vaccination strategy and requested clarification on why the risk of unacceptable side effects was accepted. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❓ Combating the online sale of counterfeit medicines
In a PQ (E-002413/2026 from Giuseppe Antoci, (The Left)), the Commission was asked how it intends to strengthen checks to combat the illegal online sale of counterfeit medicines, which pose severe risks to consumer health and generate profits for organised crime. The MEP enquired about potential joint monitoring arrangements, requirements for online platforms to take down illegal content, and EU-wide consumer awareness campaigns. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❓ Advanced practice nurses and centralised marketing authorisations
In a PQ (E-002671/2026 from Christophe Clergeau, (S&D)), clarification was sought on whether EU legislation precludes Member States from authorising advanced practice nurses to renew or adapt treatments covered by a centralised marketing authorisation. The query highlighted the role of these professionals in improving access to care and managing chronic diseases. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❓ Regulation of drug precursors and synthetic drug manufacturing
In a PQ (E-002595/2026 from Joachim Streit, (Renew)), questions were raised regarding the EU’s strategy to regulate drug precursors and combat the manufacturing of synthetic drugs within Member States. The MEP sought assurances that legitimate research and chemical innovation would not be hindered by the proposed legislative crackdowns on intermediary activities involving drug precursors. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❗ Lack of evidence for Ivermectin in COVID-19 treatment
In a PQ (E-001906/2026), the efficacy of ivermectin against SARS-Cov-2 was questioned. In responses published on 09.07.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that evidence during the COVID-19 pandemic showed no clinical data supporting the efficacy of ivermectin for preventing or treating COVID-19, noting significant risks of toxicity at higher doses. The European Medicines Agency has advised against its use outside randomised clinical trials, highlighting that studies claiming efficacy are often subject to significant methodological limitations.
❗ Monitoring of oestrogen shortages in the EU
In a PQ (E-001952/2026), concerns were raised regarding the availability of oestrogen. In responses published on 09.07.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the management of medicines shortages primarily falls under the responsibility of Member States. The Commission confirmed that there are currently no critical shortages of oestrogen notified at the EU level requiring coordinated action by the European Medicines Agency.
❗ Prescription trends and safety of SSRIs and SNRIs
In a PQ (E-001944/2026), the safety and prescription trends of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) were addressed. In responses published on 08.07.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the Commission does not hold EU-wide prescription data, as this falls within Member State competence. However, the Commission and the European Medicines Agency continuously monitor the safety of these medicines, including their use in children and adolescents, and can trigger post-authorisation safety studies or referral procedures if new safety concerns emerge.
❗ UCPM activation and monitoring of Hantavirus outbreaks
in a series of PQs (E-001899/2026, E-002067/2026, E-002007/2026), the Commission was asked about the EU’s response to recent hantavirus outbreaks, including cases on cruise ships in Tenerife and the MV Hondius. In responses published between 06.07.2026 and 09.07.2026, Commissioners Lahbib and Várhelyi stated that the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) was activated to coordinate medical evacuations and preposition a rescEU air ambulance. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control assessed the risk of sustained human-to-human transmission in the EU as very low. The Commission also noted that it secured deliveries of favipiravir for affected Member States, though hantavirus vaccine development remains at an early stage.
❗ Revisions to EU tobacco control and taxation frameworks
in a series of PQs (E-002038/2026, P-001366/2026, E-001460/2026), queries were raised regarding the evaluation of the Tobacco Products Directive, national restrictions on nicotine pouches, and the Tobacco Taxation Directive. In responses published between 07.07.2026 and 09.07.2026, Commissioners Várhelyi and Hoekstra stated that the Commission is conducting impact assessments for future policy measures based on recent evaluations. The Commission confirmed that national legislation restricting nicotine pouches can be justified to protect public health and noted that the proposed excise duty revisions aim to secure revenues and protect health without disproportionately affecting low-tax Member States.
❓ EU food additive rules and sugar reduction
In a PQ (E-002615/2026 from Barry Cowen, (Renew)), concerns were raised about the 30% energy-reduction threshold for food additives. The MEP questioned whether this threshold remains appropriate or if it hinders incremental sugar-reduction strategies and product innovation. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❓ Recall of infant formula due to cereulide toxin
In a PQ (E-002674/2026 from Lynn Boylan, (The Left)), the Commission was questioned about multi-country recalls of infant formula contaminated with cereulide toxin. The MEP inquired whether all Member States have classified this food poisoning as a notifiable disease and asked for an explanation regarding the escalation in risk classification within the RASFF system. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❓ Health risks of glycerol (E422) in slushy drinks
In a PQ (E-002580/2026 from Biljana Borzan, (S&D)), the potential health risks associated with glycerol (E422) in slushy drinks consumed by young children were highlighted. The MEP asked if the Commission plans to introduce mandatory warning labels or age-related sales restrictions to protect vulnerable groups. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❗ Implementation and monitoring of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan
In a PQ (E-001810/2026), the Commission was asked about the delivery of outcomes under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. In responses published on 09.07.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the Commission is preparing a comprehensive monitoring framework by 2027 and an evaluation by 2030, in line with European Court of Auditors recommendations. Patient access and involvement remain central, supported by flagship initiatives like the EU Cancer Screening Scheme and the EU Network of Comprehensive Cancer Centres.
❗ Protecting firefighters from hazardous chemical exposure
in a series of PQs (E-001915/2026, E-002032/2026), the occupational health risks faced by firefighters were addressed. In responses published on 06.07.2026 and 07.07.2026, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu stated that the EU occupational safety and health directives require employers to assess risks from exposure to carcinogens, asbestos, and heavy metals. The Commission has adopted a restriction banning PFAS in firefighting foams and mandated the European Chemicals Agency to develop guidelines for assessing exposure to combinations of chemicals, which will be highly relevant for emergency responders.
❓ Failings in the IMI alert mechanism for medical professionals
In a PQ (E-002020/2026 from Grégory Allione, (Renew)), concerns were raised about sanctioned doctors bypassing national bans by practising in neighbouring Member States, despite alerts in the internal market information (IMI) system. The MEPs asked if the Commission plans to tighten obligations regarding the systematic consultation and traceability of disciplinary alerts to prevent circumvention and protect patients. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❓ Facilitating cross-border drone flights for medical logistics
In a PQ (E-002612/2026 from Pascal Arimont, (PPE)), the Commission was questioned on the legal and administrative obstacles to using drones for cross-border medical logistics, such as transporting laboratory samples between hospitals. The MEP inquired whether the Commission intends to introduce uniform application procedures or mutual recognition of national authorisations to support emergency services and digital health infrastructure. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❗ Funding and mainstreaming of EU civil protection preparedness
In a PQ (E-001712/2026), the focus was on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) and health emergency preparedness. In responses published on 06.07.2026, Commissioner Lahbib stated that the Commission proposed allocating EUR 10.7 billion€10.7BCited figure to the future crisis management framework under the 2028-2034 MFF. The Commission is embedding preparedness by design across policies, promoting public awareness, and leveraging over EUR 19 billion in Cohesion Policy funds to enhance disaster prevention and civil protection infrastructures.
❓ Patient data exchange during cross-border emergency interventions
In a PQ (E-002611/2026 from Pascal Arimont, (PPE)), the Commission was asked how to resolve difficulties in sharing patient and insurance data across borders during emergency interventions, which currently leave local authorities in border regions bearing uncovered costs. The MEP requested clarification on how the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and MyHealth@EU will facilitate billing and medical record exchange in these scenarios. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❗ Trustworthy AI and the European Health Data Space
In a PQ (E-000865/2026), the intersection of AI, data sovereignty, and health data was addressed. In responses published on 09.07.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the Commission supports the uptake of trustworthy AI through the Apply AI Strategy and promotes secure access to health data via the EHDS Regulation. The framework guarantees strict safeguards under the GDPR to prevent misuse or commercial exploitation while enabling data reuse for public interest and scientific research.
❓ Transparency of RRF-funded surgery programmes in Greece
In a PQ (E-002705/2026 from Nikos Pappas, (The Left)), the Commission was questioned about the transparency and evaluation of the free afternoon surgery programme in Greece, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The MEP sought information on the final number of operations conducted, the absorption rate of funds, and the measures the Commission will take if quantitative targets were not met. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❓ Revision of the Biocidal Products Regulation
In a PQ (E-002574/2026 from Aurelijus Veryga, (ECR)), concerns were raised regarding the lengthy approval timelines and high compliance costs of the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), which allegedly hinder innovation and crisis preparedness. The MEP requested a clear timeline for the BPR evaluation and asked how the Commission plans to improve predictability in authorisation processes. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❓ REACH restriction on skin sensitisers in menstrual products
In a PQ (E-002698/2026 from Christophe Clergeau, (S&D)), the Commission was asked about the timeline for a REACH restriction on skin sensitisers in menstrual products following a 2020 ECHA opinion. The MEP enquired about the concrete actions taken to act on the restriction proposal and how the cost of inaction is factored into preparatory work. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❓ Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive costs for pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries
In a PQ (E-002622/2026 from Piotr Müller, (ECR)), concerns were raised about the financial impact of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive on the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. The MEP requested a new impact assessment regarding the costs of quaternary wastewater treatment and extended producer responsibility schemes. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❗ Assessing PFAS restrictions for medical devices
In a PQ (E-001949/2026), the potential restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was discussed. In responses published on 06.07.2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné stated that the universal PFAS restriction dossier is currently being evaluated by the European Chemicals Agency, with medical devices undergoing detailed sector-specific assessment. The Commission noted that continued use of PFAS may be allowed for critical applications, such as health, under strict conditions if adequate alternatives are unavailable.
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
