Pandemic Preparedness, PFAS Restrictions & Digital Health Governance

❓ Hantavirus outbreak and pandemic measures

In a series of PQs (E-002067/2026 from Gerald Hauser, (PfE), E-002007/2026 from Susanna Ceccardi, Anna Maria Cisint, Silvia Sardone, Isabella Tovaglieri, (PfE)), Members raised concerns about the rising media focus on the hantavirus and the potential for new health emergency restrictions. The PQs question the severity of the health risk, inquire whether the Commission plans to introduce fast-tracked mRNA vaccines or digital certificates, and request full transparency in pharmaceutical negotiations to prevent future curbs on human rights. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❗ EU’s COVID-19 pandemic response

In a Commission Answer (E-000850/2026), Commissioner Várhelyi clarified that the Commission did not mandate vaccinations or lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasized that non-pharmaceutical interventions were based on scientific evidence.

❗ Pandemic preparedness transparency

In a Commission Answer (E-001080/2026), Commissioner Síkela stressed that the Commission does not view pandemics as a business model, noting that all financial support for pandemic preparedness is subject to strict transparency rules and that the EU did not invest in the World Bank’s 2017 pandemic bonds.

❓ WHO-declared Ebola outbreak in Central Africa

In a PQ (E-002084/2026 from Leire Pajín, (S&D)), the Member asked about the EU’s response to the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The inquiry focuses on the immediate humanitarian and technical support being provided to strengthen cross-border coordination and testing capacities, as well as measures taken with international partners to support research into vaccines and treatments. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❓ Mental health and digital exposure among young people

In a PQ (E-001999/2026 from Eleonora Meleti, (PPE)), the Member highlighted the increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among European youth, driven by social pressure and digital exposure. The question asks what initiatives the Commission is championing to boost mental resilience, whether it will provide further funding for school psychologists, and how it plans to address the negative effects of excessive digital exposure. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❗ Women’s health and endometriosis

In a Commission Answer (E-000249/2026), Commissioner Lahbib stated that the Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030 includes measures to close the women’s health gap, specifically addressing under-researched conditions like endometriosis and menopause, alongside ongoing support for sexual and reproductive health data collection and research funding under Horizon Europe.

❗ Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030

In a Commission Answer (E-000921/2026), Commissioner Lahbib outlined the new Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030, detailing specific measures to advance gender equality across employment, health, and education sectors, including initiatives to attract girls to STEM and improve work-life balance.

❓ Impact of the Tobacco Products Directive revision on agriculture

In a PQ (E-002038/2026 from Anna Zalewska, (ECR)), the Member questioned the Commission’s evaluation of the Tobacco Products Directive, noting the absence of an analysis regarding its impact on raw tobacco producers and rural employment, particularly in Poland. The inquiry asks for a justification of this omission and whether a full impact assessment on agriculture will be conducted before proposing a revision. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❓ Role and funding of the European Scientific Working group on Influenza

In a PQ (E-001822/2026 from Gerald Hauser, (PfE)), the Member requested detailed information on the European Scientific Working group on Influenza (ESWI). The question seeks clarity on the specific tasks performed by this NGO that the EU administration cannot execute, the amount of EU funding it has received annually over the past decade, and its role during the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination campaigns. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❗ Horizon Europe funding for ME/CFS research

In a Commission Answer (E-000819/2026), Commissioner Zaharieva confirmed that the Commission is considering including topics on high-burden conditions like Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) in the future Horizon Europe Work Programme (2028-2034) and pointed to an open call in the 2026-2027 programme.

❓ Assessing Horizon Europe funding uptake for ME/CFS

In a PQ (E-001988/2026 from Verena Mertens, Pascal Arimont, Jens Gieseke, Alexandra Mehnert, Dimitris Tsiodras, Sabine Verheyen, Andrea Wechsler, (PPE)), Members raised concerns about persistent shortcomings in research and funding uptake for Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The inquiry asks what specific funding has been allocated under Horizon Europe and whether the Commission plans to launch targeted calls for proposals. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❗ Oversight of clinical trials conducted outside the EU

In a Commission Answer (E-001122/2026), Commissioner Várhelyi clarified that under the Clinical Trials Regulation, sponsors remain responsible for participant safety and data reliability regardless of location. He noted that while EU-based staff are not legally required for these activities, sponsors in third countries must have an EU legal representative, and Member States possess the necessary means to conduct Good Clinical Practice inspections globally.

❓ Suspension of the EU-India Joint Working Group on Pharmaceuticals

In a PQ (E-001995/2026 from Ondřej Dostál, (NI)), the Member inquired about the suspension of regular meetings of the EU-India Joint Working Group on Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology and Medical Devices since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. The question asks for the reasons behind this suspension and why requests for a meeting from Indian authorities are reportedly going unanswered. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❗ Addressing nursing and health workforce shortages

In a Commission Answer (E-001034/2026), Commissioner Várhelyi noted that while health service management remains a Member State competence, the Commission supports countries through the EU4Health Programme and knowledge sharing. He highlighted the Nursing Action implemented with the WHO and the upcoming Skills Portability Initiative, which aims to modernize the recognition of professional qualifications to facilitate mobility and attract talent from third countries.

❓ European Health Data Space implementation and SME competitiveness

In a PQ (E-002065/2026 from Piotr Müller, (ECR)), the Member raised concerns regarding the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and its potential impact on the autonomy of national healthcare systems and SME competitiveness. The question asks what financial instruments will be provided to help SMEs with certification costs, what mechanisms will prevent non-democratic foreign entities from accessing EU health data, and whether the Commission is monitoring the risk of digital exclusion for older people. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❗ REACH restrictions on PFAS

In a Commission Answer (E-001120/2026), Executive Vice-President Séjourné confirmed that the restriction dossier on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is being assessed by the European Chemicals Agency, with a potential ban on consumer goods and strict derogations for critical industrial applications.

❗ REACH restrictions on lead in ammunition

In a Commission Answer (E-001152/2026), Executive Vice-President Séjourné noted that extending transitional periods or excluding bullets would have a minimal impact on the overall emission savings expected from the restriction.

❓ Occupational cancer risks and PFAS exposure for firefighters

In a PQ (E-002032/2026 from Elena Kountoura, Konstantinos Arvanitis, (The Left)), Members highlighted the elevated cancer risks faced by firefighters due to exposure to toxic gases, PFAS, and chemicals in protective equipment. The question asks whether the Commission intends to update Recommendation (EU) 2022/2337 to formally recognize specific cancers as occupational diseases for firefighters and create a common European framework for their protection and medical surveillance. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❓ Impact of the Food and Feed Safety Omnibus on health and environment

In a PQ (E-001974/2026 from Tilly Metz, Anna Strolenberg, (Verts/ALE), Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, (Renew), Biljana Borzan, (S&D), Anja Hazekamp, (The Left)), Members questioned the Commission’s proposed Food and Feed Safety Omnibus, citing a scientific assessment that suggests the simplification proposal fails its objectives and poses risks to human and environmental health. The MEPs ask if unlimited approvals will be strictly limited to low-risk substances and whether the Commission will conduct its own impact assessment. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❗ Access to safe drinking water in outermost regions

In a Commission Answer (E-001525/2026), Executive Vice-President Fitto highlighted that the European Regional Development Fund is investing EUR 183 million€183MCited figure in French outermost regions for water and sanitation projects over the 2021–2027 period. He also emphasized that the Directive on the quality of water intended for human consumption mandates Member States to ensure access to safe drinking water.

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