Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published between 23.08.2026 and 30.08.2026. During this period, 24 new PQs were published and 24 Commission Answers became available. Key themes this week included COVID-19 vaccination policies, public health and disease prevention, mental health, environmental health and import controls, and healthcare workforce and access.
❗ COVID-19 vaccine policies and liability
In a series of PQs (E-002576/2026 from a Member of the European Parliament, E-002212/2026 from a Member of the European Parliament, and E-002794/2026 from Gerald Hauser (PfE)), Members queried the justification for COVID-19 vaccination recommendations for vulnerable groups, the efficacy of vaccines in preventing transmission, and the liability terms in advance purchase agreements. In responses published between 23.08.2026 and 25.08.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that vaccines have saved millions of lives and are strongly recommended for vulnerable groups based on extensive safety data. He clarified that vaccination mandates are a national competence and noted that while legal responsibility for damages lies with manufacturers, Member States indemnify them under specific conditions.
❗ Sustainable medical packaging and PFAS restrictions
In a series of PQs (E-002296/2026 and E-002391/2026 from Members of the European Parliament), concerns were raised about the sustainability of medical packaging and the potential impact of the universal PFAS restriction on medical devices. In responses published on 23.08.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that medicinal packaging is currently exempt from recyclability obligations to ensure patient safety, though this will be reviewed by 2035. Regarding PFAS, the European Chemicals Agency is assessing the restriction dossier, and critical applications like health may be allowed continued use of PFAS if adequate alternatives are not available.
❗ European Care Deal and nursing practices
In a series of PQs (E-002906/2026 from Kathleen Funchion (The Left) and E-002671/2026 from a Member of the European Parliament), Members addressed the need for a European Care Deal to improve working conditions in the long-term care sector and inquired about the role of advanced practice nurses in prescribing centrally authorised medicines. In responses published on 23.08.2026, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu confirmed that preparatory work on the European Care Deal is underway for presentation in 2027, emphasising the importance of collective bargaining and a skilled workforce. Additionally, Commissioner Várhelyi clarified that EU pharmaceutical legislation does not preclude Member States from allowing advanced practice nurses to adjust treatments, as healthcare organisation remains a national competence.
❗ Obesity and non-communicable diseases
In a series of PQs (E-002516/2026 and E-002852/2026 from Members of the European Parliament), the need to address obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across the EU was highlighted. In responses published between 23.08.2026 and 25.08.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the Commission supports Member States through the ‘Healthier Together’ initiative, the Safe Hearts Plan, and the EU4Health Programme. These initiatives fund joint actions on lifelong prevention and target risk factors like ultra-processed foods, while physical activity is promoted through campaigns like #BeActive.
❗ Youth mental health and regional disparities
In a series of PQs (E-002598/2026 from a Member of the European Parliament and E-002895/2026 from Giuseppe Antoci (The Left)), Members focused on the mental health of children and young people, including the impact of digitalisation, cyberbullying, and regional disparities in access to psychological support services. In responses published on 25.08.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the Commission is implementing the 2023 Communication on a comprehensive approach to mental health. He noted that cohesion funds and the European Social Fund+ can support prevention and care services in disadvantaged regions, while the Digital Services Act obliges large platforms to mitigate systemic risks to mental well-being.
❗ Infectious diseases and food poisoning responses
In a series of PQs (E-001875/2026, E-001822/2026, and E-002674/2026 from Members of the European Parliament), Members questioned the EU’s response to Hantavirus outbreaks, the role of the European Scientific Working Group on Influenza (ESWI) during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the management of cereulide food poisoning incidents. In responses published between 23.08.2026 and 25.08.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that Hantaviridae are identified as a high-priority threat, with the EU investing heavily in medical countermeasures. He clarified that ESWI was not entrusted with specific tasks during the pandemic, and noted that the ECDC and EFSA actively supported Member States during the cereulide outbreak through rapid assessments and laboratory access.
❗ Hearing loss and dementia
In a PQ (E-002380/2026 from a Member of the European Parliament), EU support for addressing hearing loss as a contributing factor to dementia was queried. In a response published on 23.08.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the Commission funds research and joint actions like PreventNCD and JADE-Health through the EU4Health and Horizon Europe programmes, recognising hearing loss as a risk factor for dementia.
❗ Import controls on antimicrobials, pesticides, and POPs
In a series of PQs (E-002388/2026, E-002488/2026, E-002685/2026, and E-001883/2026 from Members of the European Parliament, and E-002799/2026 from a Member of the European Parliament), Members scrutinised the enforcement of EU health and safety standards on imported goods, specifically regarding bans on certain antimicrobials in Brazilian meat, pesticide maximum residue levels (MRLs), and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) under the POPs Regulation. In responses published between 23.08.2026 and 25.08.2026, Commissioners Várhelyi and Roswall stated that the EU maintains stringent border checks, with Brazilian meat facing the highest frequency of physical inspections. The Commission confirmed that the new entry conditions for antimicrobials apply from September 2026, MRLs for hazardous pesticides are being lowered to technical zero, and compliance with the POPs Regulation is strictly monitored without introducing new certification requirements.
❗ Climate health risks and occupational heat exposure
In a series of PQs (E-002780/2026 and E-003076/2026 from Members of the European Parliament), the health impacts of extreme temperatures were addressed, focusing on civil protection preparedness and occupational safety for workers exposed to heat. In responses published on 23.08.2026, Commissioner Lahbib and Executive Vice-President Mînzatu stated that the EU is strengthening resilience through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and the upcoming European integrated framework for climate resilience. For workers, the Commission is considering further action under the Quality Jobs Act to address heat-related occupational safety risks, building on existing employer obligations.
❗ Safety of food additives in slush ice drinks
In a PQ (E-002580/2026 from a Member of the European Parliament), safety concerns regarding the acute exposure to glycerol (E 422) in slush ice drinks for young children were raised. In a response published on 23.08.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that following an EFSA opinion in May 2026, the Commission has launched discussions with Member States to review the authorisation conditions for glycerol to ensure use levels do not pose safety concerns.
❗ Combating period and menopause poverty
In a PQ (E-002195/2026 from Gabriela Firea (S&D)), the Commission was asked how it plans to combat period and menopause poverty amid rising living costs in Member States like Romania. In a response published on 23.08.2026, Commissioner Lahbib stated that Member States can use the European Social Fund Plus to distribute hygiene products as part of basic material assistance. She also noted that VAT reforms allow governments to apply a 0% rate to female hygiene products.
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
