Falsified Medicines, Medical Device Procurement & Banned Pesticides

❗ Combating falsified medicines online

In a series of PQs (E-002413/2026), concerns were raised regarding public health threats from fake medicines. In responses published on 20.09.2026, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen stated that Directive 2011/62/EU restricts online sales to authorised suppliers and utilizes a common EU logo to help consumers identify legal retailers. The Commission emphasized that under the Digital Services Act (DSA), online platforms must remove notified illegal content, including counterfeit medicine advertisements, and very large platforms must mitigate systemic risks to public health.

❓ Delayed procurement of medical devices in Greece

In a series of PQs (E-003574/2026 from Galato Alexandraki, (ECR)), concerns were raised over the delayed procurement of medical equipment for 80 Greek hospitals, originally budgeted at EUR 80 million€80MCited figure under the Greek Recovery Plan. The inquiry questions the Commission’s basis for approving the removal of this target from the revised plan, asks where the unused European funding was reallocated, and seeks clarity on how the Commission will ensure the equipment is delivered without additional costs to taxpayers following its transfer to the national sectoral development plan. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❗ REACH restriction on skin-sensitising substances

In a series of PQs (E-002698/2026), the regulation of skin-sensitising substances in clothing, footwear, and other articles was addressed. In responses published on 20.09.2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné stated that the Commission is working on a restriction proposal following input from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The Commission noted the complexity of the file, which covers over 1,000 substances, and affirmed its commitment to presenting a proportionate and enforceable draft restriction to the REACH Committee as soon as possible.

❓ Transposition of EU rules on asbestos exposure in Greece

In a series of PQs (E-003577/2026 from Galato Alexandraki, (ECR)), the focus is on Greece’s delayed implementation of Directive (EU) 2023/2668 concerning the protection of workers from asbestos exposure. The question asks which provisions Greece has yet to transpose following a reasoned opinion from the Commission, how the new exposure limit of 0.01 fibres per cubic centimetre is currently being monitored in Greek workplaces, and whether specific checks will be required on EU-funded renovation projects. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❓ Implementation of the European Positive List for drinking water

In a series of PQs (E-003614/2026 from Andrea Wechsler, (PPE), and others), concerns were raised about potential market disruption linked to the European Positive List (EUPL) under the recast Drinking Water Directive (Directive (EU) 2020/2184). The inquiry highlights a regulatory gap for nationally authorised substances not yet included in the EUPL and asks if the Commission plans targeted measures or transitional arrangements to prevent delayed market access for compliant and innovative products after 1 January 2027. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❓ EU exports of banned pesticides

In a series of PQs (E-003605/2026 from Majdouline Sbai, (Verts/ALE), and others), lawmakers questioned the Commission on its commitment under the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability to prohibit the production and export of pesticides banned in the EU. The inquiry highlights a 50% increase in such exports since 2018 and asks when the Commission will present legislation to address this issue, how it prevents undue corporate influence, and whether it will publish the related impact assessment. Responses from the Commission are pending.

All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.