Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published between 16.08.2026 and 23.08.2026. During this period, 1 new PQ was published and 16 Commission Answers became available. Key themes this week included antimicrobial restrictions in food imports, healthcare workforce conditions, non-communicable disease prevention, and sustainability in medical products.
❗ Import controls and antimicrobial restrictions on animal products
In a series of PQs (E-002388/2026 from an unlisted MEP, (Unlisted Group), E-002488/2026 from an unlisted MEP, (Unlisted Group), E-002685/2026 from an unlisted MEP, (Unlisted Group)), concerns were raised regarding the ban on certain antimicrobial medicinal products in food-producing animals and its impact on meat imported from third countries, particularly Brazil. In responses published on 21.08.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the application of these rules from 3 September 2026 does not pose a risk to EU consumers. The Commission highlighted that Brazilian animal products face the highest rate of border checks, with 75% undergoing physical checks, resulting in a non-compliance rate of only 1%. Furthermore, audits in non-EU countries will increase by 50% over the next two years to maintain high food safety standards.
❗ Maximum residue levels for pesticides in imported food
In a PQ (E-001883/2026 from an unlisted MEP, (Unlisted Group)), the issue of pesticide residues in imported agricultural products was raised. In a response published on 20.08.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the Commission adopted a Regulation to lower all Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for carbendazim, benomyl, and thiophanate-methyl to the technical zero. The Commission is also studying the impacts of banning imports containing hazardous pesticides that are already prohibited within the EU, with potential amendments to the legal framework to follow.
❗ EU preparedness for heatwaves and extreme weather
In a PQ (E-002780/2026 from an unlisted MEP, (Unlisted Group)), the Commission was asked about strategies to address climate-induced extreme weather. In a response published on 20.08.2026, Commissioner Lahbib stated that the Preparedness Union Strategy and the upcoming European integrated framework for climate resilience will prioritise heatwave risks. The Commission also highlighted the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) proposal aimed at strengthening coordination, crisis monitoring, and cross-sectoral preparedness for extreme weather events.
❗ EU action on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and risk factors
In a series of PQs (E-002380/2026 from an unlisted MEP, (Unlisted Group), E-002852/2026 from an unlisted MEP, (Unlisted Group)), questions focused on EU support for managing NCDs such as dementia, hearing loss, and obesity. In responses published on 21.08.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the Commission supports Member States through the Healthier Together initiative and the EU4Health Programme. Specific funding includes the EUR 76 million€76MCited figure PreventNCD joint action and the Safe Hearts Plan, which targets obesity and ultra-processed foods. The Commission also noted ongoing research funding under Horizon Europe for hearing loss diagnostics and digital approaches to dementia care.
❗ Safety of glycerol in slush ice drinks
In a PQ (E-002580/2026 from an unlisted MEP, (Unlisted Group)), concerns were raised regarding the safety of glycerol (E 422) in slush ice drinks. In a response published on 20.08.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the Commission has launched discussions with Member States to review the authorisation conditions for glycerol following a recent EFSA opinion on acute exposure risks for children.
❗ Outbreaks of cereulide food poisoning
In a PQ (E-002674/2026 from an unlisted MEP, (Unlisted Group)), concerns were raised regarding outbreaks of cereulide food poisoning. In a response published on 20.08.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi clarified that clinical pathways remain a Member State competence, though the ECDC supported national authorities by providing testing access and an outbreak case definition following serious risk alerts from Irish authorities.
❓ Closure of drug treatment structures in Greece
In a PQ (E-003138/2026 from Kostas Papadakis, (NI)), concerns were raised over the closure of the transitional shelter for psychoactive substance users in Athens and the broader dissolution of treatment structures under recent psychiatric reform laws. The MEP questioned the Commission’s stance on EU harm reduction guidelines, arguing they perpetuate drug dependence and undermine comprehensive, public addiction services. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❗ European Care Deal and long-term care workforce
In a PQ (E-002906/2026 from Kathleen Funchion, (The Left)), the Commission was asked about workforce shortages in the care sector and the role of collective bargaining. In a response published on 18.08.2026, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu stated that ensuring a skilled workforce is key to affordable and quality care, highlighting the 2022 European Care Strategy and the large-scale skills partnership under the Pact for Skills. The Commission confirmed that preparatory work for the European Care Deal is underway, with a presentation scheduled for 2027, and emphasized its commitment to improving working conditions through the European Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for social services.
❗ Alert Mechanism for restricted healthcare professionals
In a PQ (E-002020/2026 from an unlisted MEP, (Unlisted Group)), questions addressed the Alert Mechanism for restricted doctors. In a response published in August 2026, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu stated that while the Alert Mechanism under Directive 2005/36/EC requires Member States to flag restricted professionals, national authorities decide how to follow up. The Commission noted recent IT improvements to the Internal Market Information System to streamline this process.
❗ Advanced practice nurses and treatment renewal
In a PQ (E-002671/2026 from an unlisted MEP, (Unlisted Group)), questions addressed the role of advanced practice nurses in renewing treatments. In a response published in August 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi clarified that EU pharmaceutical legislation does not prevent Member States from allowing advanced practice nurses to renew treatments involving centrally authorised medicines, as the organisation of healthcare services remains a national competence.
❗ Sustainable medical packaging
In a PQ (E-002296/2026 from an unlisted MEP, (Unlisted Group)), the Commission was questioned on sustainable medical packaging. In a response published on 21.08.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that medicinal packaging is currently exempt from recyclability obligations under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation to ensure patient safety, though this exemption will be reviewed by 2035.
❗ PFAS restrictions and medical devices
In a PQ (E-002391/2026 from an unlisted MEP, (Unlisted Group)), the Commission was questioned on the impact of a proposed PFAS restriction on medical devices. In a response published on 20.08.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is still assessing the socio-economic impacts of the proposed restriction, noting that continued use of PFAS may be allowed for critical health applications under specific conditions until acceptable substitutes are developed.
❗ COVID-19 vaccine purchase agreements and liability
In a PQ (E-002576/2026 from an unlisted MEP, (Unlisted Group)), the Commission was asked about the advance purchase agreements for COVID-19 vaccines. In a response published on 21.08.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that early investments were made to ramp up development before success was guaranteed, which allowed for a faster mass vaccination campaign. The Commission clarified that while legal responsibility for damages lies with the manufacturers, Member States agreed to indemnify them for compensation and legal costs, except in cases of wilful misconduct, gross negligence, or failure to comply with EU good manufacturing practices.
❗ Combating period and menopause poverty
In a PQ (E-002195/2026 from Gabriela Firea, (S&D)), the Commission was urged to address the rising cost of personal hygiene products and its impact on women in Member States like Romania. In a response published on 19.08.2026, Commissioner Lahbib stated that Directive 2022/542 allows Member States to apply super-reduced VAT rates, including 0%, to female hygiene products. The Commission also noted that the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) can be used to support basic material assistance, such as hygiene products, and announced funding for a study on the macro- and micro-economic benefits of closing the women’s health gap related to conditions like menopause.
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
