Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published between Monday, 22 December 2025 and Sunday, 28 December 2025. During this period, 4 new PQs were published and 7 Commission Answers became available. Key themes this week included health systems and access to care, public health and prevention, and the links between environment and health.
❗ EU funding for cancer care and screening in Greece
In a response published on 22.12.2025 to question E-004340/2025, Executive Vice-President Fitto detailed EU financial support for Greece’s health system. He stated that Cohesion Policy and the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) help Member States improve healthcare access. For 2021-2027, Greece has earmarked EUR 362 million from the ERDF and EUR 250 million from the ESF+ for healthcare investments. The RRF also supports the renovation of 156 primary healthcare units and 80 hospitals, and the national prevention program for cancer and cardiovascular disease screening. Additional funding is available through the EU4Health Programme and the EUCanScreen Joint Action.
❗ EU support for the Greek health system
In a response published on 22.12.2025 to question E-004103/2025, Commissioner Várhelyi reiterated that Member States are responsible for their health services. He noted that Greece received country-specific recommendations in 2020, 2022, and 2023 to ensure adequate and equal access to healthcare, referencing the share of the population reporting forgone medical needs. The Commissioner stated that funding from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is expected to improve health services and support equal access in Greece.
❗ Upholding the rights of persons with disabilities
In a response published on 22.12.2025 to question E-003908/2025, Commissioner Lahbib affirmed the Commission’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. A key initiative mentioned is the European Disability Card, established by Directive (EU) 2024/2481, which will be applicable from 2028. The card aims to ensure recognition of disability status for short stays in other Member States, facilitating access to special conditions for services and facilities, including parking. The Commission has also issued guidance on using EU funding to support independent living and community inclusion for persons with disabilities.
❓ Safety and protection of healthcare professionals
In a question published on 23.12.2025, E-004510/2025, MEPs Anna Maria Cisint, Silvia Sardone, Isabella Tovaglieri, and Aldo Patriciello (PfE) highlight a significant increase in assaults on healthcare workers in Italy and other Member States. They ask the Commission if it will promote coordinated European monitoring of such attacks and if it believes specific resources should be allocated for prevention and safety training for healthcare staff. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Challenges in cross-border patient mobility
In a question published on 22.12.2025, E-004911/2025, MEPs Anna Maria Cisint and Aldo Patriciello (PfE) raise concerns about the inconsistent application of Directive 2011/24/EU on cross-border patient mobility. They point to complex and burdensome procedures for prior authorisation and reimbursement that deter citizens from seeking treatment abroad. The MEPs ask the Commission if it will review the directive’s implementation in Member States and what steps it will take to simplify these procedures for patients. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ EU response to the threat of nitazenes
In a response published on 23.12.2025 to question E-004345/2025, Commissioner Brunner confirmed the Commission is aware of the threat posed by nitazenes, a type of synthetic opioid. He stated that the EU Drugs Agency (EUDA) has intensified its activities, publishing a threat assessment report for the Baltic region and establishing a network of forensic laboratories. The Commission presented a new EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plan in December 2025 to address the challenges of synthetic drugs, including nitazenes.
❓ Marketing of cosmetic products to children
In a question published on 22.12.2025, E-004935/2025, MEPs Maria Ohisalo, Majdouline Sbai, and Tilly Metz (Verts/ALE) express concern over the increasing marketing of cosmetics to children, who are more vulnerable to harmful chemicals. Citing the advertising ban on medicines directed at children, they ask if the Commission will consider extending a similar ban to cosmetics and what other actions it intends to take to restrict the sale and marketing of these products to children. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Environmental risks and proposed ban on calcium cyanamide as fertiliser
In a response published on 23.12.2025 to question E-004236/2025, Executive Vice-President Séjourné confirmed that the environmental risks of calcium cyanamide are detailed in European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) reports. The Commission’s proposal to ban its use as a fertiliser took into account potential impacts on ammunition production. The proposed restriction is limited to fertiliser use, preserving defence applications, and includes longer transitional periods than ECHA recommended. Discussions with Member States are ongoing to ensure the EU’s strategic autonomy and defence readiness are preserved.
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
