This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published between Monday, 17 November 2025 and Sunday, 23 November 2025. Key themes this week included cross-border healthcare, public health initiatives, regulation of plant protection products, and the economic aspects of health policy, including trade and recovery funds.
Medical Devices
❓ Equal access to the European market for European medical device manufacturers
In question P-002033/2025, published on 21 May 2025, Jaroslava Pokorná Jermanová (PfE) and other MEPs raise concerns about unequal market access for medical device manufacturers due to varying interpretations of the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) by national authorities. They ask the Commission for its assessment of the MDR, whether a standardisation mechanism exists to ensure uniform interpretation, and if there is a long-term plan for this strategic sector. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Medical devices: potential effects of their inclusion in countermeasures to US customs duties
In question P-002201/2025, published on 2 June 2025, Laurent Castillo (PPE) questions the Commission’s potential inclusion of medical devices in a list of US imports subject to EU countermeasures. The MEP asks for the reasoning behind this, what the EU’s alternative sources of supply would be, and whether these sources would be sufficient to safeguard the health of European citizens. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Medical devices: national component authorities’ role and Helsinki procedure
In question P-004303/2025, published on 3 November 2025, Laurent Castillo (PPE) asks about the classification of a medical technology based on the marine worm Arenicola marina. The MEP questions the standing of national decisions once the Helsinki procedure is initiated, whether its decisions are legally binding, and why different notified bodies classify the technology differently than the French national authority. A response from the Commission is pending.
Pharmaceuticals & Market Access
❓ Increasing difficulties in accessing certain prescription medicines for small pharmacies in Czechia
In question P-002225/2025, published on 3 June 2025, Danuše Nerudová (PPE) highlights allegations that large pharmacy chains in Czechia are refusing to supply certain prescription medicines to small, independent pharmacies, creating discriminatory access. The MEP asks if the Commission is aware of these practices, whether they breach EU competition law, and what instruments are available to prevent abuse of market position. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Abolition of paper package leaflets for medicinal products
In question P-002901/2025, published on 15 July 2025, Jaroslava Pokorná Jermanová (PfE) and other MEPs express concern over the proposal to abolish paper package leaflets for medicines. They ask how the Commission will ensure information remains accessible to all, what the consequences are for patient safety, and whether the risk of medicine shortages due to repackaging changes has been considered. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Risks posed by counterfeit medicines and medical devices from India
In question E-004499/2025, published on 12 November 2025, Anthony Smith (The Left) raises concerns about hazardous and counterfeit medical products from India entering the EU market. The MEP asks if the Commission can guarantee that medicines entering the EU comply with its requirements and whether it intends to take action to bolster EU production of medicines and medical devices. A response from the Commission is pending.
Transparency & Governance (Pfizer/COVID-19)
❓ Implementation of the judgment of the General Court in Case T-36/23 (access to SMS correspondence with Pfizer)
In question P-002273/2025, published on 5 June 2025, Fabio De Masi (NI) refers to the General Court ruling that the Commission wrongfully denied access to text messages between Commission President von der Leyen and the CEO of Pfizer. The MEP asks whether the Commission intends to respect the ruling and disclose the messages or if it plans to appeal the judgment. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Follow-up to CJEU judgment on access to text messages
In question P-003224/2025, published on 12 August 2025, Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle (Renew) follows up on the CJEU judgment regarding text messages between the Commission President and Pfizer’s CEO, noting reports that the messages were lost after an access to documents request was filed. The MEP asks why the messages were deleted, if the Commission has ever registered text messages in its archives, and if this case undermines transparency principles. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Closure of Frédéric Baldan’s bank accounts in connection with ‘Pfizergate’
In question E-004295/2025, published on 3 November 2025, Fabio De Masi (NI) asks about the closure of bank accounts belonging to Frédéric Baldan, a former lobbyist who brought legal action against the Commission President in relation to ‘Pfizergate’. The MEP asks if the Commission has any evidence suggesting a link between the closure of the bank accounts and Mr. Baldan’s legal activities. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Patients’ rights as regards cross-border healthcare
In a response to question E-003566/25 from Mircea-Gheorghe Hava (PPE), published on 21 November 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the Commission will present the recent CJEU judgment on cross-border healthcare reimbursement (Case C-489/23) to Member State representatives to ensure best practice. The Commission periodically monitors the implementation of the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive and exchanges information with national authorities. While the Commission is implementing the current action plan, it has no plans for new legislative measures before the next implementation report in 2027.
❓ Allowing midwives to obtain nursing qualifications
In question P-002491/2025, published on 20 June 2025, Adam Jarubas (PPE) points out that while nurses can retrain as midwives under Directive 2005/36/EC, there is no similar legal standard for midwives to obtain nursing qualifications. Given the current healthcare staffing crisis, the MEP asks if the Commission will consider revising the Directive to allow midwives to gain EU-recognised nursing qualifications after appropriate training. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Statement on the scandalous case of inconclusive mammograms in Andalusia
In question P-003982/2025, published on 10 October 2025, Lina Gálvez (S&D) highlights a case in Andalusia where approximately 2,000 women have been left without clear diagnoses from their mammograms due to failures by the regional health service. The MEP asks if the Commission believes this situation is detrimental to women’s health in breach of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and what action it can take to guarantee the health and rights of these women. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Dangerous inactivity in the operation of the Cardiology Clinic of Kilkis Hospital
In question E-004408/2025, published on 7 November 2025, Galato Alexandraki (ECR) reports that the central patient monitoring unit of the Coronary Unit of Kilkis Hospital in Greece has been out of operation for a year, putting lives at risk. The MEP asks for the Commission’s assessment of this failure, whether it constitutes a breach of EU healthcare safety standards, and what actions the Commission can take to ensure the clinic’s immediate operational adequacy. A response from the Commission is pending.
Screening & Prevention
❗ Newborn screening for access to advanced life-saving therapies
In a response to question E-003675/25 from Billy Kelleher (Renew) and other MEPs, published on 21 November 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi clarified that defining and organising newborn screening falls under national competence. However, the EU complements national policies by funding research projects like Screen4Care (2021-2026), which aims to shorten the time to diagnose rare diseases through genetic screening and digital technologies. The outcomes of this project will inform future decisions at national or EU levels.
❗ EU support for HIV prevention and the Global Fund
In a response to question E-003470/25, published on 19 November 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi confirmed that while health services are a Member State responsibility, the EU provides support for HIV prevention. The ECDC recommends clinical guidelines and issues guidance on testing, while the Health Security Committee discusses progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 3.3. The Commission is a strong supporter of the Global Fund, having pledged EUR 715 million for 2024-2026, and is assessing options for the upcoming eighth replenishment cycle.
Tobacco Control
❗ Differentiated and evidence-based treatment of European traditional products under the Tobacco Products Directive
In a response to question P-004058/2025 from Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral (PPE), published on 19 November 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the Commission is currently evaluating the Tobacco Products Directive and the Tobacco Advertising Directive, and the findings will guide the next steps. Regarding the ‘substantial change of circumstances’ clause, the Commission confirmed that since its application to heated tobacco products, no other tobacco product category has met the conditions for activating it, though market developments are closely monitored.
❓ Revision of Directive 2011/64/EU (Taxation of Tobacco)
In question P-002918/2025, published on 16 July 2025, Tomasz Buczek (PfE) notes that a revision of the directive on taxation of tobacco products is a Commission priority. Citing the importance of the tobacco sector to the Polish economy and the risk of regulatory overload, the MEP asks if the Commission will adjust taxation based on health risks between different product types and if it foresees an overall increase in the fiscal burden. A response from the Commission is pending.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
❓ Urgent measures in respect of the mental health of young people
In question P-002361/2025, published on 11 June 2025, Victor Negrescu (S&D) calls for urgent action on youth mental health following a school shooting. The MEP asks what measures the Commission will take to develop a comprehensive EU mental health strategy, how it will support Member States in building proactive mental health ecosystems, and what specific actions will be taken to ensure counselling services are properly funded and accessible. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Promoting physical and mental well-being through the coverage of therapeutic massage and kinesiotherapy
In question E-004421/2025, published on 7 November 2025, Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR) highlights the physical and mental health benefits of therapeutic massage and kinesiotherapy. The MEP asks if the Commission, within the open method of coordination, could encourage Member States to adopt common guidelines for national health systems to cover a limited number of sessions per year as a preventive measure. A response from the Commission is pending.
International Relations & Trade
❗ EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement and the Tobacco Sector
In a response to question E-004078/25, published on 17 November 2025, Commissioner Šefčovič confirmed that tobacco products are subject to tariff liberalisation under the EU-Mercosur Agreement, but with a phased-out reduction over four to seven years to allow the sector to adjust. The agreement includes bilateral safeguards to protect agricultural sectors from market disruptions. The Commission stated it remains committed to addressing the sensitivities of the EU tobacco sector in ongoing negotiations with India.
❓ Biomedical research affected by disruptions to the EU-US partnership
In question E-004547/2025, published on 13 November 2025, Nicolás González Casares (S&D) addresses the US National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) decision to halt funding for European teams in NIH-financed projects. The MEP asks if the Commission plans a contingency plan for affected research teams, what action it will take regarding EU resources already allocated to US teams, and what steps it is taking to increase cooperation with other countries. A response from the Commission is pending.
Environmental Regulation & Contaminants
❗ Lower maximum acetamiprid residue levels laid down in Regulation (EU) 2025/158
In a response to question E-003394/25 from Anna Maria Cisint (PfE) and other MEPs, published on 21 November 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi explained that the decision to lower Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for acetamiprid was based on a European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluation that identified consumer health risks. The Commission noted that Member States can still grant emergency authorisations for plant protection products containing it for new pests, and that a legislative proposal is being prepared to simplify the regulatory framework and accelerate market access for biocontrol solutions.
❗ Harmonisation of rules for Plant Protection Products (PPPs)
In a response to question P-003636/25, published on 19 November 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi outlined several measures taken to harmonise the control of Plant Protection Products (PPPs). These include harmonising records for professional users to improve traceability, identifying unacceptable co-formulants, establishing a review programme for safeners and synergists, and creating a pre-notification system (TRACES) for PPPs entering a Member State. A draft regulation to update labelling requirements is also under discussion.
❓ New evidence on cancer risks of glyphosate
In question P-002366/2025, published on 11 June 2025, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy (Renew) cites a new peer-reviewed study concluding that two glyphosate-containing pesticides pose a serious cancer risk. The MEP asks for the Commission’s assessment of the study, whether it will take swift action such as a rapid risk assessment with EFSA, and what its timeline is for reviewing the evidence and determining if regulatory action is warranted. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ PFAS limits and TFA in drinking water
In question P-002764/2025, published on 8 July 2025, David Cormand (Verts/ALE) and other MEPs raise concerns about trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a PFAS degradation product, in drinking water. They ask when the Commission will revise its guidelines to ensure high TFA levels are considered non-compliant, when it will revise the Drinking Water Directive for systematic monitoring, and when it will propose a comprehensive ban on major TFA sources like PFAS pesticides and F-gases. A response from the Commission is pending.
Pandemic Origins
❓ Commission’s refusal to reassess the SARS-CoV-2 laboratory-origin hypothesis
In question P-002534/2025, published on 24 June 2025, Christine Anderson (ESN) follows up on a previous question, criticising the Commission’s reliance on a WHO-China joint study that has been widely criticised. The MEP asks why the Commission has not undertaken an independent reassessment of the origin of SARS-CoV-2, on what scientific basis it maintains a laboratory origin is ‘extremely unlikely’, and how it evaluates the anomaly of the furin cleavage site. A response from the Commission is pending.
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
