Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published between Monday, 19 January 2026 and Sunday, 25 January 2026. During this period, 9 new PQs were published and 21 Commission Answers became available. Key themes this week included medicines safety and regulation, particularly concerning COVID-19 vaccines; environmental health risks from chemicals like PFAS, pesticides, and lead; and the integrity of EU health systems and financing. Other topics included digital health challenges, food safety, and public health prevention.
COVID-19 Vaccine Safety
❗ Retrospective cohort study on the cancer risk of COVID-19 vaccines
In question E-000093/2026, MEPs Anja Arndt (ESN) and Petr Bystron (ESN) asked why the marketing authorisations for the Comirnaty and Spikevax COVID-19 vaccines have not been suspended, citing a South Korean retrospective cohort study suggesting a cancer risk. In a response published on 23 January 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) considers the totality of safety data and has not confirmed any signal of cancer following COVID-19 vaccination. He highlighted the methodological challenges in linking cancer to specific causes and affirmed that continuous monitoring is in place, with regulatory action to be taken if any risk is identified.
❗ DNA contamination in genetic vaccines
In question P-000183/2026, MEPs Petr Bystron (ESN), Anja Arndt (ESN), and Irmhild Boßdorf (ESN) questioned why the authorisations for Comirnaty and Spikevax were not suspended following reports of DNA contamination, including SV40 sequences, and a potential link to cancer. In a response published on 23 January 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi explained that fragments of SV40 sequences may be present as residual impurities at very low, controlled levels, and there is no evidence they can integrate into DNA and cause cancer. The Commission asserted that no safety issues have been detected linked to the distribution of vaccine components, the mRNA is broken down quickly, and the benefits of the vaccines far outweigh the risks.
Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices
❗ EU measures to address synthetic opioids
In a response to question E-004362/2025 published on 23 January 2026, Commissioner Brunner outlined EU-level measures to combat the threat of synthetic opioids like nitazenes. The Commission’s reply highlighted the proposed EUR 6.8 billion financial envelope for internal security (2028-2034) to combat serious crime. The EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plan include measures such as establishing a substance database for law enforcement, stepping up monitoring of online drug markets, strengthening cooperation with tech companies, and creating a forum to improve detection of drug trafficking in post and parcel services.
❗ Access to innovative cancer medicine Tarlatamab
In a response to question E-004465/2025 published on 23 January 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi addressed the suspension of an expanded access programme for the cancer medicine Tarlatamab in Italy. The Commission stated it was not aware of any official information from the company indicating a suspension and noted the drug is currently under scientific evaluation for EU marketing authorisation. The Commission reiterated its commitment to improving access to medicines through the pharmaceutical legislation reform and supports Member State cooperation on pricing and procurement.
❗ Impact of US ‘Most Favoured Nation’ policy on EU medicine prices
In a response to question E-004090/2025 published on 19 January 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi addressed the potential indirect effects of the United States’ Most Favoured Nation Policy on the EU medicine market. The Commission stated it is closely following the policy, while reiterating that Member States are responsible for the pricing and reimbursement of medicines. The Commission supports Member State cooperation on pricing through bodies like the NCAPR and funds initiatives like the EURIPID database to promote price transparency.
❗ Interoperability of defibrillator electrode connectors
In question E-004232/2025, MEP Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová (Renew) asked about the lack of cross-compatibility between automated external defibrillator (AED) and monitor defibrillator connectors, which can cause critical delays during emergency handovers. In a response published on 20 January 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that under the Medical Devices Regulation (EU) 2017/745, AEDs intended to be operated with other devices must be designed for reliable and safe interoperability. The Commission has requested European standardisation organisations to develop a harmonised standard for cardiac defibrillators to support compliance. Post-market surveillance and vigilance activities are the responsibility of manufacturers, while market surveillance is up to Member State competent authorities.
❗ Long-term crisis in the Greek national health system
In question E-004260/2025, MEP Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR) raised concerns about the dire state of the Greek national health system (ESY), citing high rates of unmet medical needs and financial hardship for patients. In a response published on 20 January 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi outlined that EU tools support Member States in strengthening health systems through knowledge sharing, funding, and policy guidance, including country-specific recommendations. While Greece can use funds from EU4Health, RRF, and Cohesion Policy, the implementation of measures and the responsibility to protect the EU’s financial interests lie with the Member State. The Commission conducts ex-ante assessments and ex-post audits to ensure compliance.
❗ Member State responsibility for health services and medical care
In a response to question E-004408/2025 published on 23 January 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi reiterated that under Article 168(7) of the TFEU, Member States are responsible for the organisation, delivery, and management of their health services and medical care. The EU supports Member States through knowledge sharing, funding, and policy guidance via tools like the European Semester and the State of Health in the EU cycle. The answer also noted that Directive 2011/24/EU facilitates access to cross-border healthcare, but national authorities are competent to establish safety standards and investigate alleged breaches.
❗ Coverage of therapeutic massage and kinesiotherapy by national health systems
In question E-004421/2025, MEP Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR) asked if the Commission could encourage Member States to adopt common guidelines for the coverage of therapeutic massage and physiotherapy sessions as a preventive measure. In a response published on 20 January 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi clarified that under Article 168 of the TFEU, Member States are responsible for the organisation and delivery of health services, including reimbursement decisions. The Commission supports Member States in health promotion and prevention of non-communicable diseases through the ‘Healthier Together’ initiative and joint actions like PreventNCD and MENTOR, but does not dictate coverage policies.
❗ Health risks of smoke-free tobacco and nicotine products
In a response to question E-004350/2025 published on 19 January 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the decline in smoking rates is a result of EU tobacco control measures. The Commission’s position is that using smoke-free tobacco and nicotine products is not risk-reducing, as there are no safe levels of consumption. Citing the World Health Organization (WHO), the answer highlights that such products can act as a gateway to nicotine addiction and smoking, with high rates of use among adolescents. The Commission also noted that dual use of e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes is at least as dangerous as smoking alone.
❗ EU actions on women’s and children’s health
In a response to question E-004359/2025 published on 22 January 2026, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu outlined EU actions guided by the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR). The reply references directives on working conditions and work-life balance, the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child, and the European Child Guarantee. For women’s health, the Roadmap on Women’s Rights promotes antenatal care and sexual and reproductive health, respecting Member State competence. The Commission supports these areas through monitoring, funding via programmes like the European Social Fund Plus and EU4Health, and facilitating the exchange of good practices.
❓ Protecting the EU’s young people in cultural, entertainment and nightlife venues
In question E-000092/2026, published on 22 January 2026, MEP Eleonora Meleti (PPE) highlights the safety risks for young people in cultural and nightlife venues, particularly concerning insufficient age checks and underage drinking in a cross-border context. The MEP asks how the Commission intends to enhance safety for minors under the EU Youth Strategy, promote best practices on age verification, and use EU programmes to train staff to create safer spaces. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan funding
In question E-004037/2025, MEP Romana Jerković (S&D) requested detailed information on the funding requested, allocated, and used by each Member State under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. In a response published on 21 January 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that from 2021 to 2024, EUR 573.3 million was programmed for cancer under EU4Health, primarily through direct grants to Member States. Horizon Europe has supported the plan with EUR 2.3 billion for research, with EUR 2 billion disbursed to entities at the Member State level. The response also detailed funding from Erasmus+, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, and the Digital Europe Programme, noting that country-specific disaggregation is not always meaningful or collected.
❗ Application of VAT Directive to essential goods for disabled persons
In question E-004259/2025, MEP Lynn Boylan (The Left) asked if non-medical aids and assistive technology for people who are blind or partially sighted could be eligible for reduced or exempt VAT under the EU VAT Directive. In a response published on 19 January 2026, Commissioner Hoekstra confirmed that a 2022 reform allows for lower VAT rates on goods essential for overcoming or compensating for disability. However, the Council did not specify the distinct types of goods that fall under this category. Therefore, it is at the discretion of Member States to define the specific transactions eligible for reduced VAT rates in their national law.
❓ Urgent EU measures against AI-enabled non-consensual sexualised content involving minors
In question E-000099/2026, published on 23 January 2026, a cross-party group of MEPs led by Estrella Galán (The Left) raises alarm over reports that the AI system Grok, integrated into platform X, has allowed users to generate non-consensual sexualised images of women and minors. The MEPs ask if the Commission is investigating this as a potential breach of the Digital Services Act and the AI Act, and what urgent measures will be taken to ensure X remedies the system’s deficiencies and protects children. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Reliability of educational content and advice shared by influencers
In question E-000170/2026, published on 21 January 2026, MEP Eleonora Meleti (PPE) notes the rise of influencers providing advice on topics like health and education without a uniform framework to ensure quality and reliability. The MEP asks how the Commission assesses the risks of unverified advice, whether it will consider developing guidelines to improve transparency and quality, and how such initiatives could align with EU education policies. A response from the Commission is pending.
Chemicals & Pesticides
❓ Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food products
In question E-000119/2026, published on 21 January 2026, MEPs Martin Hojsík (Renew), Tomislav Sokol (PPE), and Christophe Clergeau (S&D) raise concerns about human exposure to thousands of PFAS through diet. They note that while maximum limits exist for four PFAS, this covers only a fraction of the substances. The MEPs ask what measures the Commission will take to limit PFAS in food beyond the four currently regulated and when it will act to protect consumers. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Retraction of influential glyphosate safety review and implications for EU risk assessments
In question E-000098/2026, published on 23 January 2026, MEPs Christine Anderson (ESN) and Friedrich Pürner (NI) ask about the implications of the 2025 retraction of a widely cited 2000 review on glyphosate safety, following disclosures of undisclosed industry involvement. They question if the Commission is aware, whether this review was used in EU risk assessments, and if the Commission will ask agencies to assess whether other studies relied upon for glyphosate assessment are affected by similar integrity concerns. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Proposal to restrict lead in gunshot
In question E-000171/2026, published on 22 January 2026, MEP César Luena (S&D) questions the Commission’s handling of the proposal to restrict lead in ammunition and fishing tackle under REACH. The MEP asks for justification for splitting the proposal into two files, the scientific reasons for extending transitional periods for certain gunshot types, and how the Commission ensures these extensions are based on scientific criteria rather than industry pressure. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Processing and incineration of PFAS-containing waste
In question E-000147/2026, published on 21 January 2026, MEPs Bruno Tobback (S&D) and Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D) raise concerns about the safety of incinerating PFAS-containing waste, noting that strict conditions are often not met. They ask if the Commission plans initiatives to tighten European requirements for PFAS incineration, develop a framework for cross-border shipments of PFAS waste with full traceability, and introduce an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system to make the polluter pay for safe treatment. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Consequences of the ban on spirotetramat for cabbage and sprout cultivation
In question E-000172/2026, published on 23 January 2026, MEPs Hilde Vautmans (Renew), Wouter Beke (PPE), and Benoit Cassart (Renew) highlight the significant economic consequences of the ban on the pesticide spirotetramat for vegetable growers. They ask how the Commission assesses the impact on yield losses, whether a temporary authorisation is possible until alternatives are available, and what steps are being taken to speed up the authorisation of new, safe active substances. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ ECHA’s independence in PFAS restriction process
In a response to question P-003902/2025 published on 21 January 2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné addressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest regarding the consultant Ramboll’s work for the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) on PFAS restrictions. The Commission stated that ECHA follows strict public procurement rules to prevent conflicts of interest. It confirmed that Ramboll’s work for ECHA on PFAS in firefighting foams was completed before its 2022 engagement with industry and was only one of several evidence sources used. The Commission affirmed its commitment to presenting a proposal for a universal PFAS restriction as soon as it receives ECHA’s opinion.
❗ Export of EU-banned pesticides
In a response to question E-003973/2025 published on 21 January 2026, Ms Roswall addressed concerns about the export of pesticides banned in the EU. The Commission reiterated its commitment to the principle that hazardous pesticides banned in the EU should not be allowed back through imported products, a principle applied in the Food and Feed Simplification Package of December 2025. The answer notes that the rise in exports reflects the fact that more substances have been banned recently. The Commission is exploring further options and launched a public consultation in 2023 and an impact assessment in November 2025 on this issue.
Food & Feed Safety
❓ Health checks on imported meat
In question E-000082/2026, published on 21 January 2026, MEP Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE) expresses concern over the low rate of physical checks on products imported into the EU and the high rejection rate of those inspected. The MEP argues this creates unfair competition and inadequately protects consumers. The question asks what the Commission will do to ensure a minimum level of mandatory inspections and whether it intends to reform legislation to strengthen border controls and ensure imports meet EU standards. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ EU-US agreement on tariffs and trade and food safety standards
In question E-004603/2025, MEP Benoit Cassart (Renew) asked how the Commission will work on standards for animal welfare, antibiotics, and plant protection products in light of the EU-US political agreement on tariffs and trade. In a response published on 20 January 2026, Commissioner Šefčovič stated that the agreement does not affect the EU’s ability to regulate in these areas. The Commission reaffirmed that food safety, animal health, and plant health are non-negotiable and that it will pursue stronger alignment of production standards for imported products, particularly on pesticides and animal welfare, and strengthen import controls.
❗ Regulation of UV-treated foods
In a response to question E-004458/2025 published on 23 January 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi clarified the EU’s regulatory framework for UV-treated foods. Foods whose composition is significantly changed by UV treatment and were not widely consumed before May 1997 fall under the Novel Foods Regulation and require authorisation. Other UV-treated foods are subject to general EU food law and national provisions. Member States may restrict such foods only if the measures are non-discriminatory, justified on health grounds, and proportionate.
❗ Safety of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
In a response to question E-004410/2025 published on 23 January 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi affirmed that EU legislation on GMOs ensures a high level of safety. Any GMO must undergo a comprehensive risk assessment by EFSA before authorisation and is subject to post-market monitoring. The Commission noted that Member States can opt out of GMO cultivation for justified reasons and that EU-funded research has concluded the current risk assessment methodology is adequate.
❗ Origin mislabelling of fruits and vegetables
In a response to question E-004450/2025 published on 23 January 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi addressed a question on checks for origin mislabelling of fruits and vegetables. The Commission stated that national authorities in France had not reported any issues within the EU Alert and Cooperation Network (ACN) in 2025. The responsibility for conformity checks lies with Member States’ inspection bodies, who should take appropriate action in cases of fraud.
Environmental & Animal Health
❗ Europe’s Environment 2025 report
In a response to question E-003797/2025 published on 21 January 2026, Ms Roswall acknowledged the need for urgent action based on the ‘Europe’s Environment 2025’ report, while also highlighting successes like reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The Commission stressed that staying the course on environmental goals is essential and pointed to agreed measures like the Nature Restoration Regulation and upcoming initiatives like a Water Resilience Strategy. The proposed next MFF includes a 35% climate and environment spending target.
❗ Management of waste containing asbestos from landfills
In a response to question E-004494/2025 published on 21 January 2026, Ms Roswall stated that the Commission does not currently plan to propose EU legislation setting specific distances from landfills or to assess the impact of asbestos fibres from them. The Commission considers that existing EU legislation, specifically the Landfill Directive and Council Decision 2003/33/EC, provides adequate protection. This includes requirements for proper treatment, safe disposal, and measures to prevent the dispersion of fibres, such as covering the zones of deposit.
❗ Registration of establishments keeping pigeons under the Animal Health Law
In a response to question E-004451/2025 published on 23 January 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi clarified that under the Animal Health Law, establishments keeping pigeons are subject to registration. However, Member States may exempt certain categories of establishments from this obligation, as laid down in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1345, provided that they pose an insignificant risk.
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