Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published between 23.03.2026 and 29.03.2026. During this period, 22 new PQs were published and 22 Commission Answers became available. Key themes this week included health systems and access to care, particularly concerning the use of EU funds for abortion services, challenges in national health systems, and the regulation of medicines. Another significant area was environmental health risks, with discussions on pesticides, PFAS, microplastics, and new genomic techniques. Finally, medicines regulation and the EU’s role in clinical trials, professional qualifications, and pharmaceutical market rules were prominent.
National Health System Challenges
❓ State of the public health system in Greece
In a PQ (E-001087/2026 from Galato Alexandraki, (ECR)), concerns were raised about severe staff shortages, closed operating theatres, long waiting times for surgeries, and high private health payments in the Greek national health system (ESY). The Commission is asked for its assessment of the situation, what control mechanisms exist for EU funds in the Greek health sector, and whether it intends to propose measures to reinforce the healthcare workforce and ensure equal access. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Delays in use of RRF-funded cancer equipment in Spain
In a PQ (E-001077/2026 from Sandra Gómez López, (S&D) and Leire Pajín, (S&D)), MEPs highlighted that mobile electron accelerators for intraoperative radiation therapy, purchased with Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) funds in Valencia, Spain, were not used for several years after purchase. The Commission is asked if it is aware of such delays with RRF-funded equipment, what mechanisms it uses to verify equipment is being used, and whether such delays could affect the objectives of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Regional disparities in Italian healthcare
A PQ (E-000263/2026 from Giuseppe Antoci, (The Left)) raised concerns about growing regional disparities in the provision of essential levels of care (LEA) in Italy, particularly the gap between northern and southern regions, and noted implementation delays in the health mission of the national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP). In a response published on 26.03.2026, Commissioner Dombrovskis stated that the Commission monitors these disparities within the European Semester framework. He noted that Mission 6 of the Italian NRRP includes measures to improve territorial healthcare, and while the Commission assesses the fulfilment of milestones and targets, national authorities remain primarily responsible for implementing their plan.
Access to Care & EU Funding
❗ Use of ESF+ for abortion access
In a series of PQs (E-000928/2026 from Paolo Inselvini (ECR) and colleagues, E-000990/2026 from Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR) and others, and E-000991/2026 from Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR) and colleagues), MEPs questioned the legal basis and ethical implications of the Commission’s statement that the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) can be used by Member States to finance abortion services. They argued this oversteps EU competence, reinterprets the fund’s purpose, and interferes with national laws, particularly questioning how this respects diverse legal frameworks and prevents ‘abortion tourism’. In a response published on 27.03.2026 to a related question, Commissioner Lahbib clarified that the objective of the ‘My Voice My Choice’ European Citizens’ Initiative can be met through the ESF+ if Member States voluntarily choose to provide such support in line with their national laws. The Commission stated that to respect EU competence boundaries under Article 168(7) TFEU, any such action must be neutral regarding the patient’s origin and cannot target women from specific Member States.
❗ Recognition of medical professional qualifications
In a PQ (E-001070/2026 from Alex Agius Saliba, (S&D)), an MEP pointed out the apparent misclassification of the medical speciality ‘physical and rehabilitation medicine’ as ‘physiotherapy’ in Annex V to Directive 2005/36/EC, raising concerns about proper recognition, legal uncertainty, and patient safety. In a response published on 25.03.2026 to a separate question on doctor shortages, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu stated that the Commission is exploring measures to accelerate recognition procedures for doctors, including through digitalisation under the Skills Portability Initiative. He noted that while the Commission aims to remove administrative barriers, the recruitment, training, and specialisation of doctors remain the responsibility of Member States.
❓ Relocation of clinical trials outside the EU
In a PQ (E-001122/2026 from Brando Benifei, (S&D) and Alessandra Moretti, (S&D)), MEPs raised concerns about the contract research organisation (CRO) Syneos Health relocating clinical trial operations outside the EU. They questioned whether this could affect sponsors’ ability to ensure supervision under Regulation (EU) No 536/2014 and impact the ability of Member State authorities and the EMA to conduct inspections and ensure compliance with good clinical practice. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Restrictions on pharmacy ownership in Poland
A PQ (E-000645/2026 from Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska (PPE) and colleagues) highlighted Polish legislation restricting pharmacy ownership to pharmacists operating fewer than four pharmacies, which allegedly affects business succession and patient access to medicines. In a response published on 27.03.2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné confirmed the Commission received a complaint on this matter and is assessing it according to standard procedures. The Commission could not provide a timeframe for its assessment as it is still examining a recent submission from the complainant.
❓ Documentation of COVID-19 vaccine PRAC meetings
In a PQ (E-001055/2026 from Christine Anderson, (ESN)), an MEP requested information about extraordinary meetings of the EMA’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) held in late 2020 and early 2021 concerning COVID-19 vaccines. The questions seek to identify what specific documents exist from these meetings, where they are archived, and whether they are available in full. A response from the Commission is pending.
Gender-Specific Health & Equality
❓ Economic and social impact of endometriosis
In a PQ (E-000249/2026 from Marie Dauchy (PfE) and colleagues), MEPs highlighted the significant economic and social costs of endometriosis, which affects millions of women in the EU. They asked if the Commission will publish a comprehensive economic impact study on the condition, broken down by Member State and updated to 1 January 2026. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Integrating the gender dimension in EU health research
A PQ (E-004975/2025) questioned the framework for EU-funded research. In a response published on 23.03.2026, Commissioner Zaharieva stated that the Horizon Europe Regulation requires integrating the gender dimension into research and innovation content, including in health topics. She affirmed that considering biological sex and gender is a quality requirement that enhances scientific robustness, and reducing health-related inequalities between women and men, including by addressing evidence gaps in women’s health, remains a key objective.
❓ Gender Equality Strategy and health inequalities affecting men
In a PQ (E-001117/2026 from Kosma Złotowski, (ECR)), an MEP noted that the Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030 appears to overlook areas where men are in a less favourable position, such as higher rates of suicide, fatal workplace accidents, and shorter life expectancy. The Commission is asked why these specific issues affecting men’s health and safety are not addressed in the strategy. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Discrimination against women and girls with disabilities
In a PQ (E-001140/2026 from Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, (PPE)), concerns were raised about the persistent discrimination, exclusion, and vulnerability to gender-based violence faced by women and girls with disabilities. The Commission is asked what avenues it is exploring to improve their inclusion, participation in public life, and protection through the consistent enforcement of EU legislation. A response from the Commission is pending.
Lifestyle & Demographics
❓ Study on ultra-processed foods
In a PQ (E-000964/2026 from David Cormand (Verts/ALE) and colleagues), MEPs inquired about the Commission’s announced study on the impact of ultra-processed foods. They asked for the timeline for its completion, the methodology and governance to ensure scientific independence, and what measures will be in place to avoid influence from commercial interests. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ EU response to demographic trends and falling birth rates
A PQ (E-000073/2026 from Gerald Hauser, (PfE)) highlighted falling birth rates in Europe and asked what action the Commission will take to assist single mothers to ensure abortion is not their only recourse. In a response published on 25.03.2026, Commissioner Šuica stated that the Commission acknowledges demographic challenges and promotes policies that support families. She pointed to the Demography Toolbox and various EU initiatives like the Work-Life Balance Directive and the Child Guarantee as part of the EU’s response to create favourable conditions for people to pursue their family aspirations.
❗ Combating ageism and rights of older persons
A PQ (E-000227/2026 from Idoia Mendia (S&D) and colleagues) called for a dedicated action plan against ageism within the upcoming intergenerational fairness strategy and asked about the Commission’s involvement in negotiations for a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons. In a response published on 27.03.2026, Commissioner Lahbib reaffirmed the commitment to combat age-based discrimination, citing existing EU legislation and the proposal for an Equal Treatment Directive. She noted that age-related concerns are integrated into the strategy on Intergenerational Fairness and that the Commission is currently monitoring discussions on the UN convention.
Chemicals & Contaminants
❗ Scientific basis for EU policies on microplastics
A PQ (E-000382/2026 from Susanna Ceccardi (PfE) and colleagues) questioned the scientific reliability of EU policies on microplastics, citing recent scientific positions that highlight a high risk of false positives in detection methods. In a response published on 27.03.2026, Commissioner Zaharieva stated that the Commission and EU Agencies monitor scientific progress, acknowledging limitations in current methodologies but noting that human ingestion and inhalation of microplastics remain a concern. She clarified that the 2023 REACH restriction on microplastics is based on an ECHA assessment of environmental risk, which is not challenged by studies on human health effects, and that further EU-funded research is underway.
❗ Management of PFAS contamination in waste and food
Concerns over per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were addressed in several Commission answers. In a response published on 25.03.2026 (E-000147/2026), Commissioner Roswall confirmed the Commission is committed to addressing PFAS contamination in waste legislation, exploring measures like enhanced implementation of the polluter pays principle. In another response published on 27.03.2026 (E-000119/2026), Commissioner Várhelyi explained that maximum limits currently exist for four main PFAS found in food. He noted that Member States are monitoring a wider range of PFAS until 2025, and based on this data, EFSA will be asked to assess if its opinion needs updating, which could lead to new maximum levels for other PFAS.
❗ Regulation of pesticides and their impact on soil and food
Several answers addressed pesticide regulation. In a response published on 23.03.2026 (E-000426/2026), Commissioner Roswall stated that under the Soil Monitoring Law, the Commission will establish an indicative list of soil contaminants, including pesticides, and that EFSA is reviewing the risk assessment methodology for soil organisms. In another response published on 23.03.2026 (E-004958/2025), Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the Commission does not consider it necessary to propose additional food labelling requirements to indicate pesticide use, as existing Maximum Residue Levels ensure consumer safety and EFSA reports show exposure is very limited.
❓ Scientific basis for lead restrictions in gunshot
In a PQ (E-001152/2026 from César Luena, (S&D)), an MEP questioned the consistency of new transitional periods for restricting lead in certain hunting bullets, asking for the scientific evidence backing these changes. The MEP raised concerns that socio-economic considerations or industry pressure might be weakening the proposal’s ambition to protect biodiversity and public health. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Impact of REACH authorisation on lead use in craft sectors
In a PQ (E-001105/2026 from Céline Imart, (PPE)), concerns were raised about the potential inclusion of lead in Annex XIV of the REACH Regulation, which would make its use subject to prior authorisation. The MEP highlighted the essential role of lead in sectors like stained glass, heritage restoration, and traditional ceramics, and the risk that complex authorisation processes could jeopardise small craft enterprises. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Retraction of glyphosate review article and impact on EU assessment
A PQ (E-000098/2026) inquired about the impact of a retracted scientific review article on the EU’s assessment of glyphosate. In a response published on 25.03.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the Commission is aware of the retraction but has not requested a new opinion from EFSA or ECHA. He clarified that the article was a review, not original research, and that such articles have low weight in scientific assessments. The retracted paper was not cited in the key assessments by ECHA or EFSA leading to the last renewal of glyphosate’s approval and therefore its retraction does not impact the overall conclusions.
Industrial & Agricultural Risks
❗ Safety of industrial establishments in Greece
A PQ (E-000642/2026) concerned industrial establishments near residential areas in Greece. In a response published on 23.03.2026, Commissioner Roswall confirmed the establishments are covered by the Seveso Directive, which emphasizes strict land-use planning and requires operators to prevent accidents. While the decision to relocate storage tanks is a national competence, Member States must ensure public consultation and conduct regular inspections. The Commission stated it would contact Greek authorities to investigate if the Directive’s provisions have been correctly implemented.
❓ Avian influenza management in Italy
In a PQ (E-001047/2026 from Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE) and colleagues), MEPs raised concerns about avian influenza outbreaks in Italy, citing a television investigation that allegedly revealed culls carried out in violation of animal welfare regulations and with biosecurity deficiencies. They asked how the Commission ensures that EU crisis management funds are used in compliance with animal welfare legislation and how it plans to strengthen compliance tools. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) regulation
In a PQ (E-001156/2026 from Tobiasz Bocheński, (ECR)), an MEP questioned the scientific basis for the proposed ‘equivalence’ between certain NGT plants and conventional plants, and how health and environmental protection would be ensured if these plants are exempted from full risk assessments and labelling. In a response published on 25.03.2026 to a previous question, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the proposal was based on scientific evidence, notably from EFSA, confirming that certain NGT plants pose no new hazards compared to conventionally bred plants, justifying a proportionate approach. He added that the provisional agreement ensures a high level of safety by keeping NGT plants that could not be obtained conventionally subject to GMO legislation.
❓ Implementation and regulatory overlap of the AI Act
In a PQ (E-001138/2026 from Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, (PPE)), an MEP relayed concerns from European industry associations about the implementation of the AI Act, particularly regarding potential regulatory overlaps with existing product safety legislation and the cumulative impact of digital regulations. The Commission is asked what approach it is considering to address this overlap and legal uncertainty, and whether revisions to the scope or timeline could be envisaged. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Alleged pandemic profiteering and EU partnerships
In a PQ (E-001080/2026 from Gerald Hauser, (PfE)), an MEP cited the ‘Epstein files’ to suggest that a financial architecture for private investors to profit from pandemics was in place before COVID-19, naming organisations like the Gates Foundation, WEF, and WHO. The Commission is asked which of these organisations received EU funds, whether it views pandemics as a business model, and if it invested in the World Bank’s pandemic bonds. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Investigation into irregular health contracts in the Canary Islands
In a PQ (E-001107/2026 from Elena Nevado del Campo, (PPE) and Isabel Benjumea Benjumea, (PPE)), MEPs highlighted reports of contracts for medical equipment awarded by the Government of the Canary Islands during the COVID-19 pandemic, which are now under investigation by bodies including the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. They asked if the Commission knows whether these contracts were co-financed with ERDF funds, if it has requested information from Spanish authorities, and what measures will be taken to recover funds if irregularities are found. A response from the Commission is pending.
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
