Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published between 09.03.2026 and 15.03.2026. During this period, 29 new PQs were published and 13 Commission Answers became available. Key themes this week included medicines and chemicals regulation, public health and prevention strategies, the resilience of national health systems and workforces, and the intersection of environmental factors and health, with a particular focus on occupational safety.
❗ EMA spending and monitoring of COVID-19 vaccine-related deaths
In a response published on 10.03.2026 to E-004406/25 by Virginie Joron (PfE), Commissioner Várhelyi addressed questions on the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) budget and its investigation of deaths following COVID-19 vaccination. The Commissioner stated that the EMA is an autonomous body with budgetary oversight from its Management Board, the European Court of Auditors, and the European Parliament. Regarding vaccine safety, he noted that continuous monitoring has identified very exceptional circumstances where side effects may have contributed to a death, but there is currently no evidence linking other reported deaths to COVID-19 vaccination.
❗ Quality and safety standards for diabetes management devices
In a response published on 10.03.2026 to E-004998/25 from Dario Nardella (S&D) and Salvatore De Meo (PPE), Commissioner Várhelyi addressed the need for minimum quality standards for diabetes management devices. The Commissioner explained that Regulations (EU) 2017/745 and 2017/746 already lay down general safety and performance requirements, which are supported by harmonised standards for devices like blood-glucose monitoring systems and infusion pumps. He clarified that while the Commission can adopt common specifications where standards are insufficient, the responsibility for enforcing EU rules and market surveillance lies with the competent authorities of the Member States, with coordination at the EU level through the Medical Device Coordination Group (MDCG).
❗ Simplification of requirements for cosmetic products under Omnibus VI
In a response published on 09.03.2026 to E-000068/26 by Beatrice Timgren (ECR), Executive Vice-President Séjourné clarified how the Omnibus VI proposal ensures realistic adaptation timelines for cosmetics companies. The Commissioner stated that the proposal establishes a three-month window for industry to submit derogation dossiers for substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic (CMR), and provides standardised periods of 12 months for placing products on the market and 24 months for selling existing stocks. This is intended to provide lead time for reformulation and mitigate economic impacts, especially for SMEs.
❗ Market access and safety of medical devices
In a response published on 09.03.2026 to E-004584/25, Commissioner Várhelyi addressed the EU regulatory framework for medical devices. He stated that the Commission has not received communications indicating that products have been refused market access, withdrawn, or reclassified due to the current framework. He added that a December 2025 proposal for a targeted simplification of the rules aims to make them easier and more effective, promoting competitiveness, innovation, and patient safety.
❓ Impact of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive on medicine supply
Published on 13.03.2026, O-000013/2026 from Oliver Schenk, Peter Liese, and Tomislav Sokol (PPE) questions the implementation of the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. MEPs raise concerns about the extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme, which requires pharmaceutical and cosmetic producers to cover wastewater treatment costs, and its potential impact on the availability and affordability of medicines, particularly generics. They ask how the Commission justifies proceeding without a comprehensive impact assessment and how it will ensure non-EU producers are included to prevent competitive distortions. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Supplementary Protection Certificate extension in the European Biotech Act
Published on 09.03.2026, P-000725/2026 from Tiemo Wölken (S&D) questions the proposed 12-month extension of the Supplementary Protection Certificate (SPC) for certain medicinal products in the European Biotech Act. The MEP asks if the Commission will publish a cost-benefit analysis of the extension’s impact on Member State healthcare budgets due to delayed generic entry, and why an SPC extension was chosen over other potential incentive instruments. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Sweden’s snus exemption and the Tobacco Products Directive
Published on 13.03.2026, E-000910/2026 by Jessica Polfjärd (PPE) addresses the upcoming revision of the Tobacco Products Directive. The MEP asks how the Commission will ensure that Sweden’s successful tobacco model and the spirit of its exemption for snus are preserved, particularly concerning new products like tobacco-free nicotine pouches. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Ensuring risk assessment for proportionate regulation of cosmetics
Published on 09.03.2026, E-000762/2026 from a cross-party group of MEPs led by Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska (PPE) raises concerns that regulatory decisions for cosmetics are based on hazard classification alone, without use-specific risk assessments. The MEPs ask how the Commission will ensure the legislator has access to such assessments, that the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) opinions cover exposure levels, and how it will prevent disproportionate socio-economic impacts from restrictions made in the absence of demonstrated risks. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Checks on imported non-EU cosmetic products
Published on 13.03.2026, E-000688/2026 from a large cross-party group of MEPs led by Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska (PPE) asks about controls on cosmetic products imported into the single market. The MEPs inquire if the Commission has data on the number and type of inspections at EU customs, including analytical investigations for prohibited substances, and whether these checks are sufficient to understand the volume and variety of imported goods. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Challenges in cross-border patient mobility
In a response published on 09.03.2026 to E-004911/25 from Anna Maria Cisint (PfE) and Aldo Patriciello (PfE), Commissioner Várhelyi addressed the inconsistent application of the Cross-border Healthcare Directive. The Commissioner acknowledged shortcomings identified in a 2022 report and noted that an action plan is being implemented. He stated that the Commission will continue compliance checks on national legislation, and highlighted that the European Health Data Space Regulation aims to support cross-border care. An awareness campaign on patients’ rights is also underway, culminating in a high-level conference in March 2026.
❗ Medical staff shortages in underserved and island regions of Greece
In a response published on 13.03.2026 to E-005045/25 by Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI), Commissioner Várhelyi addressed chronic shortages of medical staff in parts of Greece. He acknowledged that Greece has a higher share of people forgoing care due to distance and has received country-specific recommendations to improve access. The Commissioner detailed EU funding available through the European Social Fund Plus (EUR 250 million) and the European Regional Development Fund (EUR 362 million) for 2021-2027 to improve primary care, operate mobile units, and upgrade facilities. Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Plan also includes measures for infrastructure, digital transformation, and reinforcing primary care.
❓ Debt of public hospitals in the EU
Published on 10.03.2026, E-000927/2026 by Marcin Sypniewski (ESN) highlights the increasing indebtedness of public hospitals in several Member States due to rising operating costs. The MEP asks if the Commission sees a possibility for legislative action to reduce hospital deficits and if it would consider exempting public hospitals from Directive 2011/7/EU on late payments to relieve them of additional costs. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Recognition of professional qualifications for midwives
Published on 09.03.2026, E-000753/2026 by Marko Vešligaj (S&D) refers to a Parliament resolution calling for Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications to be aligned with international standards for midwifery. The MEP asks what concrete steps the Commission is taking to ensure the directive reflects these commitments to advance gender equality and women’s health. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Maternity protection for fixed-term workers in Greece
Published on 13.03.2026, E-000861/2026 by Elena Kountoura (The Left) raises the issue of unequal maternity protection for substitute teachers on fixed-term contracts in Greece. Citing a Commission reasoned opinion from May 2025, the MEP asks for an update on the infringement procedure against Greece, the Commission’s view on the impact of this issue on the country’s demographic challenges, and what initiatives it will take in case of non-compliance. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Mandate of DG TAXUD’s behavioural taxation unit
In a response published on 10.03.2026 to E-000045/26 by Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE), Commissioner Hoekstra clarified the mandate of the Behavioural Taxation Unit within DG TAXUD. He stated its mission is to ensure the smooth functioning of the EU’s harmonised excise framework, including alcohol and tobacco legislation. Following the publication of a report on ‘Health Taxes from an EU Perspective’, the Commission plans to establish a network of competent authorities to coordinate on the taxation of unhealthy food products and will assess tools to promote healthier consumer choices.
❓ Fertility of women vaccinated against the coronavirus
Published on 09.03.2026, E-000830/2026 from Gerald Hauser (PfE) cites a study from the Czech Republic allegedly showing a discrepancy in fertility rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated women. The MEP asks if the Commission intends to conduct an EU-wide investigation into a possible correlation between COVID-19 vaccination status and birth rates, what other countries have published similar studies, and why the public is not being proactively informed. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Addressing the hearing-care gap to tackle dementia
Published on 13.03.2026, E-000907/2026 by Günther Sidl (S&D) highlights that untreated hearing loss is the leading modifiable risk factor for dementia and that 90% of those in severe need of hearing care remain untreated. The MEP asks if the Commission plans to launch a ‘European Hearing Health Strategy’, integrate systematic hearing screening for adults over 50 into the ‘Healthier Together’ initiative, and use the ‘Healthy Ageing’ and EU4Health frameworks to address the issue. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Health risks of energy powders for inhalation
Published on 09.03.2026, P-000828/2026 by Biljana Borzan (S&D) raises public health concerns about energy powders for inhalation being marketed to young people. The MEP asks how the Commission assesses the legal status of these products, whether it will request a scientific risk assessment from a relevant EU body, and what enforcement or legislative action it plans to take in response to marketing that may circumvent existing EU rules. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Asbestos in children’s play products
Published on 09.03.2026, E-000785/2026 by Estelle Ceulemans (S&D) expresses concern over reports of asbestos fibres found in children’s creative kits and coloured sand. The MEP asks if the Commission has data on the extent of contamination, what actions market surveillance authorities are taking to recall affected products, and what measures are planned to inform consumers and prevent the import of asbestos-containing products. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Incorporating binding measures into the upcoming Gender Equality Strategy
Published on 13.03.2026, E-000921/2026 by Elena Kountoura (The Left) points to slow progress and even backsliding in gender equality in areas like health, according to EIGE’s 2025 Gender Equality Index. The MEP asks what measures the Commission will take in its new strategy to address this stagnation and whether it will incorporate binding targets and timelines to reduce gender inequalities in employment, health, and education. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Defence of the right to conscientious objection
Published on 09.03.2026, E-000749/2026 from a group of MEPs led by Séverine Werbrouck (PfE) criticises a recent Parliament resolution for undermining the conscience clause for healthcare professionals. The MEPs ask how the Commission intends to protect the right of refusal for healthcare professionals, what guarantees it will provide against discrimination, and how it will prevent financial support from interfering in national health service organisation. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ EU initiatives for the homeless during cold weather emergencies
In a response published on 09.03.2026 to E-000161/2026 by Giuseppe Antoci (The Left), Executive Vice-President Mînzatu outlined EU support for tackling homelessness. The Commissioner noted that the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness (EPOCH) supports the development of integrated policy responses, including emergency accommodation. Under the European Social Fund+ (ESF+), eligible measures in regions like Sicily can combine food and material assistance with shelter services and social inclusion pathways, citing specific co-financed projects as examples. A dedicated work strand of the Platform also focuses on improving data and monitoring of homelessness across Member States.
❓ Financing health and youth policies through a levy on online gambling
Published on 13.03.2026, O-000014/2026 from a large cross-party group of MEPs led by Victor Negrescu (S&D) proposes a new EU own resource to finance education, digital skills, youth policies, and mental health. The MEPs ask if the Commission will assess the feasibility of an EU-level levy on online gambling services when preparing the next MFF and how it intends to secure stable financing for these policy areas. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Misuse of ESF+ for abortions
Published on 09.03.2026, P-000838/2026 by Margarita de la Pisa Carrión (PfE) questions a Commission Communication suggesting that the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) could co-finance national programmes related to abortion access. The MEP asks how this is compatible with the ESF+’s stated purpose of improving employment opportunities and its defined scope of actions, which limits healthcare to social inclusion. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Sustaining Horizon Europe Support for ME/CFS Research
Published on 13.03.2026, E-000819/2026 by Pascal Arimont (PPE) commends the Commission for funding a first research project on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) but notes the very low success rate of the funding call. The MEP asks if the Commission will renew suitable calls under Horizon Europe to ensure continued funding for ME/CFS research and what steps it will take to provide sufficient funds for high-quality proposals. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Financing Framework Programme 10 for Research and Innovation
Published on 09.03.2026, E-000816/2026 by Regina Doherty (PPE) raises questions about the financing of the next research programme, FP10. The MEP notes that Article 182 of the TFEU may prohibit the proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) from being used to fund FP10 and asks for the Commission’s legal opinion on the matter and its alternative financing plans if this is the case. A response from the Commission is pending.
Environmental Health & Food Safety
❗ EU measures to reduce heat-related mortality
In a response published on 09.03.2026 to E-004526/25 by Moritz Körner (Renew), Commissioner Hoekstra addressed heat-related deaths in the EU. He stated there is no complete official record for the EU, but researchers estimate up to 70,000 deaths in 2022. The Commission supports measures to reduce mortality, including passive cooling in buildings, urban planning to minimise heat islands, national heat health action plans, guidance for employers, and improving heat health surveillance under the regulation on Serious Cross-Border Threats to Health.
❗ Commission policy on European agriculture and food safety
In a response published on 09.03.2026 to E-003587/25 by Tobiasz Bocheński (ECR), Commissioner Várhelyi outlined the Commission’s policy on agricultural inputs and import standards. He noted that the Commission has adopted proposals to enable the use of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) and to accelerate market access for biocontrol plant protection products. The Commission will also pursue stronger alignment of production standards for imported products, particularly on pesticides and animal welfare, and has launched a study on the impacts of this principle.
❗ EU contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
In a response published on 09.03.2026 to E-004455/25 from a cross-party group of MEPs, Commissioner Síkela reaffirmed the EU’s support for the Global Fund. He stated that the EU is its seventh-largest public donor and, jointly with Member States, provides roughly a third of its total funding. While the Commission could not make a financial commitment during the November 2025 replenishment summit, it expressed strong support and intends to contribute to the new cycle along the lines of previous cycles.
❓ Nitrate pollution of drinking water in Denmark
Published on 13.03.2026, E-000864/2026 by Per Clausen (The Left) highlights a lawsuit by the municipality of Aalborg against the Danish government over costs to purify drinking water from nitrate pollution, linked to agricultural fertilisers and bowel cancer cases. The MEP asks for the Commission’s assessment of Denmark’s decision to allow more fertiliser use, what action it will take to address excessive nitrate levels in several EU countries, and if it will launch a study on the link between nitrate pollution and bowel cancer. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Inadequate checks on meat imports from Mercosur countries
Published on 13.03.2026, E-000908/2026 by Gerald Hauser (PfE) raises concerns about food safety following a scandal involving contaminated beef from Brazil entering the EU market. The MEP asks how hormone-contaminated meat entered the EU despite checks, what percentage of meat imports are tested for residues, and whether the planned number of inspections in Mercosur countries is sufficient. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Revision of PCB limits for regenerated mineral oils
Published on 10.03.2026, E-000823/2026 from a group of S&D and Verts/ALE MEPs questions a possible reduction of the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) limit for regenerated oils to a level below what current standard analytical methods can reliably detect. They ask if the Commission has assessed the technical feasibility of such limits and the impact on industrial competitiveness, and how it will ensure compliance with the waste hierarchy principle, which prioritises regeneration over combustion. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Surveillance zones for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)
Published on 09.03.2026, E-000750/2026 by Asger Christensen (Renew) questions a Commission proposal to link the lifting of surveillance zone restrictions for avian influenza to the completion of final cleaning and disinfection. The MEP asks for the scientific evidence justifying this change, how it aligns with international standards, and whether it will remove the ability of national authorities to conduct a risk-based assessment. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ RRF milestones and low-emission zones
Published on 09.03.2026, E-000779/2026 by Sandra Gómez López (S&D) asks about the assessment of Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) milestones. The MEP questions how the Commission assesses fulfilment when investments in low-emission zones have been made but the legal framework is not fully in force, what verification mechanisms are used to ensure tangible environmental impact, and when delays could trigger a review of compliance. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security
Published on 13.03.2026, E-000874/2026 by Thomas Pellerin-Carlin (S&D) cites a UK report on the security repercussions of ecological collapse, including risks to food supplies and geopolitical instability. The MEP asks if the Commission is aware of similar studies by Member States and if it plans to conduct its own study on the security risks of climate change for the EU and identify potential solutions. A response from the Commission is pending.
Occupational & Industrial Health
❗ Enforcement of EU worker health and safety directives
In a response published on 10.03.2026 to E-000403/26, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu affirmed that the primary responsibility for enforcing national legislation transposing EU directives on working conditions and occupational safety and health (OSH) lies with national authorities. Member States are required to ensure adequate controls and supervision, including deciding on the organisation of labour inspectorates and the nature of inspections. The response also notes that major-accident hazard rules under the Seveso-III-Directive did not apply to the specific factory mentioned in the question.
❓ Public procurement and deaths at work
Published on 13.03.2026, O-000011/2026 from a large group of MEPs led by Anthony Smith (The Left) raises alarm over fatalities at work, some of which occur on sites financed by public contracts. The MEPs ask if the Commission considers the current public procurement framework adequate for promoting safety over the lowest price, and if it will propose EU-wide rules for compulsory OSH training for contracting authorities and the systematic exclusion of operators convicted of violating labour or safety laws. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Industrial safety in Greece following a deadly factory explosion
Published on 09.03.2026, E-000743/2026 by Nikos Pappas (The Left) follows a deadly explosion at a factory in Trikala, Greece. The MEP asks what information the Commission has on the quality and frequency of inspections at such facilities in Greece, whether it intends to strengthen EU oversight mechanisms, and how it ensures the correct implementation of the EU industrial safety framework under Article 258 TFEU. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ State aid for former ILVA steelworks and public health risks
Published on 09.03.2026, E-000791/2026 from a group of MEPs from The Left questions the Commission’s authorisation of a EUR 390 million loan for the former ILVA steelworks in Taranto. They ask how this aid is compatible with rules against supporting loss-making companies and a Court of Justice judgment requiring operations to be suspended due to health dangers. They also question how the aid aligns with the ‘do no significant harm’ principle. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Commission meetings with Amazon amid worker safety concerns
Published on 09.03.2026, E-000786/2026 by Anthony Smith (The Left) points out that members of the Commission continue to meet with Amazon representatives despite the European Parliament deactivating the company’s access cards over its refusal to attend hearings on worker rights and safety. The MEP asks what criteria the Commission follows for restricting meetings with a company facing such allegations and if it will make future meetings conditional on Amazon’s cooperation with EU institutions. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commissioners’ accountability and scientific misinformation
In a response published on 09.03.2026 to E-004159/25 by Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE), President von der Leyen addressed whether a Commissioner publicly contradicting scientific consensus would breach the Code of Conduct. The President affirmed the Commission’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and stated that members must abide by the duty of loyalty and not make comments that could harm the Commission’s reputation. However, the response concluded that the Commission’s policy is not to comment on hypothetical situations as described in the question.
❓ Commission meetings with the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC)
Published on 09.03.2026, E-000610/2026 by Anthony Smith (The Left) questions the Commission President’s participation in a closed-door summit organised by CEFIC without civil society present. The MEP asks the Commission to make public a full list of meetings with CEFIC, to justify why closed-door meetings are acceptable, and to clarify what safeguards are in place to ensure any ‘simplification’ of rules like REACH complies with the precautionary principle and protects health and the environment. A response from the Commission is pending.
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