Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published between Monday, 15 December 2025 and Sunday, 21 December 2025. During this period, 15 new PQs were published and 19 Commission Answers became available. Key themes this week included medicines regulation, including the pharmaceutical package and shortages; public health and prevention, with a focus on pandemic preparedness, tobacco control, and nutrition; health systems resilience, covering access to care, workforce mobility, and the role of EU agencies; and the health implications of external policies, particularly concerning food imports and environmental standards.
❓ Tackling medicine shortages in Europe
In E-004765/2025, published on 16.12.2025, Anthony Smith (The Left) highlights the worsening issue of medicine shortages. The question asks the Commission about its plans to increase industrial production to reduce dependency, tighten monitoring of industry pricing, and strengthen prevention tools, including the potential creation of an EU stockpile of medicines. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Pharma package weaknesses
Loucas Fourlas (PPE) submitted E-004896/2025, published on 17.12.2025, questioning the effectiveness of the ‘pharma package’. The MEP raises concerns about data protection extensions potentially prolonging monopolies, the lack of mandatory EU production mechanisms for essential medicines, and the unclear criteria for assessing ‘unmet medical need’. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Good manufacturing practices for veterinary medicinal products
In priority question P-004961/2025, published on 19.12.2025, Anja Hazekamp and Sebastian Everding (The Left) criticise the Commission for not halting the import and production of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG) despite Parliament’s 2021 call and documented animal cruelty. They question why animal welfare standards were not included in the revised Good Manufacturing Practice Regulation, as intended by legislators. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Scope of the Biocidal Products Regulation
In a response published on 17.12.2025 to E-004160/2025, Commissioner Várhelyi clarified that filtration systems acting by ‘mere physical or mechanical action’ are not covered by the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). However, products with a combined physical and biological/chemical action fall within its scope. The Commission does not intend to revise the definition, citing existing Court of Justice interpretations, and noted that an evaluation of the BPR is upcoming following a stakeholder dialogue in July 2025.
❗ EU institutions and agencies in the health sector
Replying to E-003124/2025, Commissioner Várhelyi stated on 17.12.2025 that numerous EU bodies are involved in health policy. The answer outlines the roles of DG SANTE, DG HERA, and DG EMPL, and their partner agencies ECDC, EMA, and EU-OSHA, respectively. The Commission also mentioned the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) as the implementer of the EU4Health programme. Budget and staffing figures for these agencies for 2020-2025 were provided in an annex, and information on beneficiaries of EU funding is available through the Financial Transparency System (FTS).
❗ Professional mobility of doctors within the EU
In a response published on 19.12.2025 to E-003949/2025, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu addressed the issue of doctors practicing in one Member State after losing their license in another. The Commission confirmed it is aware of investigations and reiterated that national competent authorities are responsible for identifying unfit doctors. The Internal Market Information system (IMI) serves as a complementary information source. The Commission is finalising a Questions and Answers guidance document for Member States on handling IMI alerts by the end of 2025.
❗ Medico-legal liability for healthcare professionals
Commissioner Várhelyi, in a reply published on 17.12.2025 to E-003768/2025, stated that the organisation of health services, including the regulation of medical liability, is a Member State responsibility under Article 168(7) TFEU. The Commission has not received specific information about a high occurrence of medico-legal challenges in Italy impacting its health system. The answer also clarified that the criminal liability of healthcare professionals for negligence does not fall under the EU’s competence to establish minimum rules for criminal offences.
❗ Recognition of masseur-physiotherapist qualifications in Italy
Responding to E-004284/2025 on 16.12.2025, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu clarified that while Italian authorities must recognise professional qualifications from other EU Member States under Directive 2005/36/EC, the rules for Italian-trained professionals working in Italy are a national competence. The Commission stated it has no power to intervene in cases of ‘reverse discrimination’, where national professionals may face different rules than those with qualifications from other Member States.
❗ EU funding for psychosocial support for displaced persons
In a response published on 17.12.2025 to E-003321/2025, Commissioner Brunner detailed EU funding to support Member States hosting displaced persons from Ukraine. This includes EUR 385 million in emergency assistance from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) in 2022. In 2023, EUR 8 million was earmarked for an IFRC-led project offering psychological first aid and psychosocial support in 28 countries. A further EUR 1.5 billion is being made available under AMIF to support the implementation of the Migration Pact and continue hosting displaced persons.
❗ E-health support for Cyprus
In an answer published on 18.12.2025 to E-004216/2025, Commissioner Fitto noted that the Thalia 2021–2027 Programme provides Cohesion Policy funding to Cyprus, which supports e-health actions to strengthen the national health system. This is part of a broader package of support recognising the challenges Cyprus faces due to its insularity and remoteness.
❓ Access to radiotherapy equipment in Valencia
Leire Pajín, Sandra Gómez López, and Nicolás González Casares (S&D) submitted E-004853/2025, published on 17.12.2025, concerning significant delays in commissioning radiotherapy equipment in Valencia, Spain. The MEPs highlight that only one of three purchased machines is operational, creating inequalities in access to cancer treatment. They ask the Commission how it monitors and addresses regional inequalities and what instruments it can use when public procurement delays exacerbate such disparities. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Patients’ rights at Vinalopó University Hospital
In E-004884/2025, published on 17.12.2025, Leire Pajín and Sandra Gómez López (S&D) raise concerns about the extension of a private management contract for a public hospital in Valencia. They question whether practices prioritising economic factors over patient rights align with EU health protection standards and whether public procurement rules were followed, given the lack of an external audit. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Transfer of detainees with mental health problems to Albania
A cross-party group of MEPs led by Ilaria Salis (The Left) submitted E-004848/2025 on 17.12.2025, questioning the transfer of detainees with severe mental health problems from Italian pre-removal centres (CPRs) to a facility in Albania. The MEPs ask if the Commission is aware of these transfers, whether they comply with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, and what measures will be taken to protect vulnerable people. A response from the Commission is pending.
Pandemic Preparedness & Disease Control
❗ Details of the ‘Lemkin’ Simulation Exercise
In a response to E-003628/2025, published on 17.12.2025, Commissioner Várhelyi provided details on the ‘Lemkin’ Simulation Exercise held in Athens in October 2019. The exercise, commissioned by the ECDC, focused on coordinating law enforcement and public health responses to a hypothetical biological agent release (Glanders). The Commissioner stated that the exercise report has not been published to protect public security, as it contains details on emergency response capabilities. He clarified that coercive measures, restrictions on fundamental rights, or media control were not tested during the simulation.
❗ ECDC pandemic preparedness workshops in 2019
Replying to E-003677/2025, Commissioner Várhelyi on 17.12.2025 provided information on three pandemic preparedness workshops organised by the ECDC in March 2019. Experts from all EU/EEA countries participated, with topics including pandemic planning, risk communication, vaccines, antivirals, and non-pharmaceutical measures. The workshops were based on a WHO/ECDC guide that incorporated lessons from the 2009 A(H1N1) pandemic.
❗ Access to reports from simulation exercises
In an answer published on 17.12.2025 to E-004218/2025, Commissioner Várhelyi reiterated that reports from simulation exercises are withheld under Regulation 1049/2001 to protect public security. He stated that disclosing these documents would reveal details about emergency response capabilities that could be exploited, thereby jeopardising the public security of the Union. The Commission affirmed that findings from such exercises are used to assess and update preparedness plans.
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) & Lifestyle
❗ EU support for non-communicable diseases
In a response published on 17.12.2025 to E-003906/2025, Commissioner Várhelyi clarified that the World Health Organization (WHO), not the Commission, is responsible for the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). He reiterated that Member States are responsible for their health services, while the EU complements national policies. The Commission supports Member States in preventing NCDs through the ‘Healthier Together’ initiative, with over EUR 280 million from the EU4Health programme allocated for collaborative work on areas including neurological diseases.
❗ EU action on cancer screening
Responding to P-003982/2025, Commissioner Várhelyi on 17.12.2025 highlighted that while Member States are competent for their health policies, the EU supports and complements their actions. The updated 2022 Council Recommendation on cancer screening encourages Member States to implement quality programmes, and the European guidelines on breast cancer provide detailed recommendations. The Commission provides funding through initiatives like the Joint Action EUCanScreen to help Member States optimise their screening programmes.
❓ VAT on sport and fitness services
A cross-party group of MEPs led by Stine Bosse (Renew) submitted E-004847/2025, published on 17.12.2025, regarding the impact of value-added tax (VAT) on sport and fitness services. The question asks if the Commission will assess whether the current VAT framework adequately supports public health objectives and if affordability of physical activity will be examined in the forthcoming EU strategy on cardiovascular disease. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Improvements in diagnosis and care for endometriosis
Elena Nevado del Campo (PPE) submitted E-004731/2025, published on 18.12.2025, concerning endometriosis, a disease affecting around 10% of women of reproductive age. The MEP asks what measures the Commission intends to take to improve early diagnosis, whether it is considering funding research into causes and treatments, and what projects it currently supports. A response from the Commission is pending.
Tobacco, Alcohol & Novel Products
❓ Impact of the proposed Tobacco Tax Directive on Luxembourg
In priority question P-004977/2025, published on 19.12.2025, Fernand Kartheiser (NI) questions the proposed Tobacco Tax Directive’s impact on Luxembourg. The MEP argues that the purchasing power parity (PPP) adjustment factor would lead to a disproportionate 60% price increase, conflicting with the Council’s principle of gradualism and penalising Luxembourg’s successful fiscal and public health outcomes. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Regulation of e-cigarettes
In a reply published on 17.12.2025 to E-004021/2025, Commissioner Várhelyi outlined that the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) 2014/40/EU regulates several aspects of e-cigarettes, including ingredient purity and restrictions on certain additives. However, the Directive does not harmonise all aspects, leaving rules on flavours to Member States. The Commission is currently evaluating the TPD, and the findings will inform future legislative steps, particularly concerning young people’s access to novel nicotine products.
❓ Updated EFSA opinion on energy drinks
Biljana Borzan (S&D) and Peter Agius (PPE) submitted priority question P-004940/2025 on 17.12.2025, following a public hearing on the risks of energy drink consumption by minors. They ask if the Commission will request the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to update its scientific opinion, specifically reassessing risks of caffeine for adolescents, the cumulative effects with other substances, and the public health consequences of marketing practices targeting minors. A response from the Commission is pending.
Nutrition & Consumer Protection
❗ Promoting consumption of fruit and vegetables
In a response published on 19.12.2025 to E-004445/2025, Commissioner Hansen stated that the 2026 Annual Work Programme for promotion of agricultural products includes EUR 15.6 million dedicated to promoting fresh fruit and vegetables. Campaigns will highlight the benefits of consuming at least five portions a day, based on WHO/FAO recommendations. Processed fruit and vegetable products are eligible for promotion under a separate, larger budget of EUR 144.4 million.
❗ Misinformation on women’s health
Responding to E-003938/2025 on 17.12.2025, Commissioner Lahbib affirmed the Commission’s commitment to women’s rights and acknowledged that misinformation about women’s health can be dangerous. The reply highlights that the Roadmap for Women’s Rights includes promoting access to evidence-based information on women’s health and sexuality, and this commitment will be translated into action in the forthcoming Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030.
❓ Marketing of breast-milk substitutes
Biljana Borzan (S&D) submitted E-004866/2025, published on 17.12.2025, citing a WHO report that finds EU Member States have low alignment with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. The question asks if the Commission will propose legislative measures to expand the scope of EU rules to all breast-milk substitutes up to 36 months, prohibit cross-promotion, and establish EU-wide monitoring. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Marketing of skincare products for children
In E-004844/2025, published on 17.12.2025, Christel Schaldemose (S&D) raises concerns about the ‘Sephora Kids’ phenomenon, where skincare products are marketed to young children. The MEP asks if the Commission believes current EU rules provide adequate protection for children against such cosmetics and marketing, and if any Member States have raised concerns through the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Digital European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
In a response published on 16.12.2025 to E-004243/2025, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu confirmed that a digitalised EHIC is an objective of the European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS) initiative, part of the 2026 Fair Labour Mobility Package. The Commission is examining pilot project outcomes, considering two approaches: one using the European Digital Identity Wallet, which is accessible for persons with disabilities, and another using a QR-code format. The need for features to facilitate use by persons with visual impairments will be considered.
❓ Personal health data and patient rights
Gerald Hauser (PfE) submitted E-004761/2025, published on 16.12.2025, regarding patient rights over their health data under GDPR. The question asks if EU patients can prohibit doctors from forwarding their health data, if the right to opt-out has been or will be revoked, and what happens to data transferred to the European Health Data Space (EHDS). A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Health policy in the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034
In a reply published on 17.12.2025 to E-004143/2025, Commissioner Várhelyi outlined the Commission’s proposal for the MFF 2028-2034. It includes a proposed European Competitiveness Fund with a EUR 20.4 billion policy window for Health, Biotech, Agriculture and Bioeconomy. An additional EUR 19.65 billion would be available for health-related research under Horizon Europe. The Commission also proposes EUR 10.7 billion for a new Union Civil Protection Mechanism and health emergency preparedness and response.
❗ Regulation of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs)
Responding to E-004209/2025 on 17.12.2025, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the Commission’s proposal on NGTs aims to maintain a high level of health and environmental protection. It proposes two regulatory pathways: category 1 NGT plants, equivalent to conventional plants, would follow the same rules, while category 2 plants with more complex modifications would remain subject to a full GMO risk assessment. The Commission noted this approach would help reduce regulatory divergence with non-EU countries.
❗ Chemicals policy and the green transition
In an answer published on 17.12.2025 to E-004007/2025, Commissioner Albuquerque explained recent changes to the EU Taxonomy rules. The requirement for substances ‘self-classified’ with certain hazards under REACH has been repealed to avoid preventing investment in crucial transition technologies and to reduce administrative burden. The Commission stated this change improves the usability of the EU taxonomy to scale up sustainable investment.
❗ Alignment of Ukraine’s agri-food standards with EU rules
In a response published on 19.12.2025 to E-004412/2025, Commissioner Hansen confirmed that as part of the review of the EU-Ukraine trade agreement, Ukraine has committed to align its domestic legislation with several EU agri-food standards by 31 December 2028. This includes rules on official controls, animal welfare, and the use of plant protection and veterinary medicines. If Ukraine fails to meet this requirement, the EU may suspend trade preferences after consultations.
❓ Quality control of beef from MERCOSUR countries
Anna Zalewska (ECR) submitted E-004883/2025 on 17.12.2025, raising concerns about beef production standards in Brazil. Citing reports of uncontrolled antibiotic sales and unreliable cattle traceability, the MEP asks if the Commission will verify production conditions, if checks on antibiotic use in third countries are planned, and if it is prepared to suspend beef import concessions on public health grounds. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Hormones and antibiotics in meat from Brazil
In a related question, E-004873/2025, published on 17.12.2025, Gerald Hauser (PfE) asks for the Commission’s assessment of findings that prescription-only antibiotics and EU-banned hormones are freely available in Brazil. The question queries the reliability of Brazil’s control systems and whether the EU-Mercosur agreement is compatible with EU consumer protection standards under these circumstances. A response from the Commission is pending.
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
