Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published between Monday, 12 January 2026 and Sunday, 18 January 2026. During this period, 15 new PQs were published and 6 Commission Answers became available. Key themes this week included environmental health and chemical regulation, public health initiatives and rights, health systems strengthening, and EU health financing and governance.
Sexual and Reproductive Health
❓ Urgent need for universal protection and promotion of sexual and reproductive rights in all EU Member States
In E-005072/2025, published on 12 January 2026, Elena Kountoura (The Left) highlights that over 20 million women in the EU lack access to safe and legal abortion and sexual and reproductive health services. Citing the ‘My Voice, My Choice’ European Citizens’ Initiative, the MEP asks how the Commission intends to ensure non-discriminatory access, whether it will propose a funding mechanism to support Member States providing such services, and if it will include sexual and reproductive rights in the annual rule of law report. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Financing of organisations involved in ‘My Voice, My Choice’
In E-004920/2025, published on 13 January 2026, Marcin Sypniewski (ESN) raises questions about the potential use of EU funds by organisations supporting the ‘My Voice, My Choice’ European Citizens’ Initiative, which advocates for financing cross-border abortion procedures. The MEP asks if the Commission has information on EU funds being used for this initiative and whether it has audited or plans to audit these entities for compliance with principles of political neutrality and transparency. A response from the Commission is pending.
Consumer & Child Protection
❓ Consumer protection through more effective control and prevention of the introduction of dangerous cosmetics on the European market
In E-005070/2025, published on 12 January 2026, Dimitris Tsiodras (PPE) expresses concern over dangerous cosmetics containing carcinogenic substances being sold on the European market, particularly those imported via online platforms from Asia or of unknown origin. The MEP asks what measures the Commission will take to control imports more effectively, what steps it is taking in dialogue with non-EU countries, and how it will ensure economic operators assume their obligations and are accessible to consumers. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Questionnaire about children’s genders and LGBTQI identity
In E-005004/2025, published on 13 January 2026, Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE) questions the Commission about a questionnaire for children, developed as part of the European Child Guarantee, which asks about gender identity and LGBTQI+ status. The MEP asks for the legal basis for the questionnaire, the safeguards in place for collecting sensitive data and obtaining parental consent, and how the Commission ensures its use respects Member State competences in education. A response from the Commission is pending.
Other Public Health Issues
❓ Mandate and activities of the Commission’s Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union’s unit on behavioural taxation
In E-000045/2026, published on 16 January 2026, Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE) seeks clarification on the role of DG TAXUD’s unit on behavioural taxation, particularly concerning health-related taxes. The MEP asks for the precise mandate, scope, and staffing of the unit, its envisaged funding under the next MFF, and what follow-up actions are planned for the ‘Health Taxes from an EU Perspective’ report. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Ensuring stable, sustained and sufficient funding for the smooth operation of structures and services addressing gender-based violence in the Member States
In E-005078/2025, published on 12 January 2026, Elena Kountoura (The Left) points to shortcomings in the viability and coverage of services for victims of gender-based violence in several Member States due to fragmented and insufficient funding. The MEP asks if the Commission will consider a permanent European financial mechanism, integrate a gender dimension into the European affordable housing plan, and prioritise stable funding for support services in the next gender equality strategy. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ EU involvement with the ‘European Capital of Sport’ awards
In a response to E-004354/2025, published on 13 January 2026, Commissioner Micallef clarified that the Commission is not involved in and does not fund the ‘European Capital of Sport’ awards assigned by the private non-profit association ACES. The Commissioner noted that ACES is a partner of the Commission’s ‘European Week of Sport’ initiative, and some award-winning cities have promoted the week’s messages on a voluntary basis. The Commission’s own #BeActive EU Sport Awards, which offer prizes, differ significantly from the labels/recognitions provided by ACES.
❓ Chronic shortages of medical staff in underserved and island regions of Greece and access to basic health services
In E-005045/2025, published on 14 January 2026, Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI) highlights chronic shortages of medical and nursing staff in underserved, mountainous, and island regions of Greece, which impedes access to basic health services. The MEP asks for the Commission’s assessment of the situation, what EU funding tools can be used to attract and retain medical staff in these areas, and if it intends to strengthen initiatives like telemedicine to reduce inequalities. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Implementation of NRRP Mission 6 – Health: structural delays and risk of missing targets
In E-004979/2025, published on 12 January 2026, Valentina Palmisano (The Left) raises concerns about the implementation of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) Mission 6 on health. Citing reports of significant delays in establishing Community Health and Welfare Centres, rising costs, and staff shortages, the MEP asks if the Commission sees a risk of targets not being met, whether it will conduct additional checks, and what measures it could take to ensure investments result in fully operational facilities. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Transparency of budget management at the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority
In E-004637/2025, published on 15 January 2026, Gerald Hauser (PfE) questions the transparency and scale of the budget for the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA). The MEP notes HERA’s absence from the Court of Auditors’ reports and its large budget compared to other EU agencies, asking why HERA has not been audited, whether its budget is appropriate, and why it is funded so much more than other agencies. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Impact of NIH decision to discontinue foreign subawards
In a response to E-004547/2025, published on 15 January 2026, Commissioner Zaharieva acknowledged the impact of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) decision to discontinue foreign subawards on EU-based organisations. The Commissioner noted that the NIH continues to support international collaboration through direct awards. She stated that no specific ad hoc mechanism is foreseen under Horizon Europe to compensate for the loss of NIH funding, as its ‘Health’ cluster funding is awarded through competitive calls. The Commission affirmed the EU’s strategic interest in multilateral cooperation on global health issues and noted that US-based entities can still participate and receive exceptional funding in Horizon Europe projects.
❓ Data privacy and security risks posed by AI and browser extensions harvesting AI chat conversations
In E-000056/2026, published on 15 January 2026, Nicolás González Casares (S&D) and Laura Ballarín Cereza (S&D) raise concerns about browser extensions secretly collecting users’ AI chat conversations. The MEPs ask if the Commission considers this practice a breach of EU data protection and AI frameworks, what measures it will take to prevent misleading ‘trust badges’ on digital marketplaces, and if it plans specific regulatory guidance to address privacy risks associated with AI services and extensions. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Delays and uncertainty in the REACH Regulation revision process
In E-000030/2026, published on 14 January 2026, Jutta Paulus (Verts/ALE) questions the Commission about the delayed proposal to revise the REACH Regulation. Citing a negative opinion from the Regulatory Scrutiny Board, the MEP asks for an updated timeline, a commitment to modernise the regulation by including registration for polymers and strengthening data requirements, and assurances that the revision will enable more effective action against harmful chemicals without adding procedural delays. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Restriction of lead in hunting ammunition under the REACH Regulation
In E-004616/2025, published on 14 January 2026, Mireia Borrás Pabón (PfE) raises concerns about the proposed restriction of lead in hunting ammunition under the REACH Regulation. The MEP highlights a study predicting a significant reduction in hunting activity and substantial costs for hunters to modify or replace arms, and asks the Commission for its view on these socio-economic predictions and whether it will revise the proposed transitional periods. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Maximum Residue Levels for acetamiprid
In a response to E-004146/2025, published on 13 January 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi addressed the lowering of Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for the pesticide acetamiprid. The Commissioner stated that the decision was based on a European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluation that identified consumer health risks, leading to the MRL for bananas being lowered to the Limit of Quantification. This standard applies to both EU and imported products. The Commission noted that applications to revise MRLs can be submitted at any time and that Member States can grant emergency authorisations for the pesticide’s use in urgent situations.
❓ PFAS and F-gas emissions in Sicily and the implementation of EU legislation
In E-000034/2026, published on 15 January 2026, Giuseppe Antoci (The Left) asks the Commission about high emissions of certain fluorinated gases (F-gases) and PFAS in Sicily, particularly in Catania. The MEP questions whether these emission levels comply with EU legislation, if Italian authorities are correctly implementing monitoring and reduction obligations, and what tools the Commission will use to bolster monitoring and prevent exposure in affected areas. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Fire at the Licata waste facility: post-fire residues, environmental monitoring and EU law
In E-000033/2026, published on 14 January 2026, Giuseppe Antoci (The Left) questions the Commission regarding the aftermath of a fire at a waste storage facility in Licata, Italy. The MEP asks what information the Commission has requested from Italian authorities on the management of post-fire residues and site restoration, whether it will stress the need for environmental monitoring, and what instruments it intends to use to ensure compliance with EU law. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Impact of wind turbine noise on health: a blind spot in EU green policy
In E-000019/2026, published on 13 January 2026, Virginie Joron (PfE) raises concerns about the health impact of infrasound from modern wind turbines, citing a recent study. The MEP asks if the Commission intends to revise the Environmental Noise Directive to include these effects, support further research on measurement tools, and impose harmonised EU-level thresholds for noise and infrasound emissions. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Drinking Water Directive
In E-000042/2026, published on 12 January 2026, Kathleen Funchion (The Left) asks the Commission for clarification on its interpretation of the Drinking Water Directive. The MEP requests definitions for the terms ‘consistent’ and ‘ongoing’ as they appear in the Irish transposing legislation and asks whether the Commission believes Ireland’s transposition is consistent with the directive’s minimum monitoring requirements for sampling frequency. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Information on drinking water pricing in Italy
In a response to E-004363/2025, published on 13 January 2026, Commissioner Roswall clarified Member States’ obligations under the recast Drinking Water Directive. The Commissioner stated that Member States must ensure consumers are provided with information on water pricing, and for large suppliers, this information must be accessible online. Regarding potential Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) financing for specific water projects in Italy, the Commission noted that Member State authorities are responsible for project selection and ensuring compliance with EU law, and that the final assessment will occur with Italy’s ninth payment request.
❗ Euro 7 implementing acts for vehicle emissions
In a response to E-004225/2025, published on 13 January 2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné confirmed the Commission’s commitment to providing legal certainty for the application of the second package of Euro 7 implementing acts. The Commissioner stated that the technical content for brake particle emissions and battery durability has been endorsed at the UN level, providing clarity for manufacturers. The Commission will aim to adopt the secondary legislation as soon as possible after the formal UN adoption in March 2026, and believes the timetable set out in the Euro 7 Regulation remains achievable.
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
