Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published between 20.06.2026 and 28.06.2026. During this period, 4 new PQs were published and 8 Commission Answers became available. Key themes this week included medicines and medical supply regulation, mental health and preventive care, health systems and long-term care, and food safety and environmental health risks.
❗ COVID-19 vaccines and nanomedicine classification
In a series of PQs (E-001388/26 from Gerald Hauser, (PfE)), concerns were raised regarding the classification of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines as nanomedicines and the regulatory tests they underwent. In a response published on 22 June 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that vaccines such as Spikevax and Comirnaty are considered nanotechnology-based medicinal products because they contain lipid nanoparticles, but stressed they were developed and tested in accordance with all EU regulatory standards for quality, safety, and efficacy without a dedicated legal framework for nanomedicines.
❗ Supply shortages of nitrile products and helium
In a series of PQs (E-001610/26 from Gerald Hauser, (PfE)), concerns were raised about looming supply shortages of medical nitrile products, such as single-use gloves, and helium due to geopolitical tensions. In a response published on 23 June 2026, Commissioner Lahbib stated that the Commission has not received notifications of materialised shortages of nitrile countermeasures in the EU but plans to launch a tender to reserve manufacturing capacity, while also noting that helium supply disruptions are not imminent as the EU does not source the majority of its helium from Gulf States.
❗ Impact of biotechnology legislation on organ donation
In a series of PQs (E-001296/26 from Friedrich Pürner, (NI)), the potential impact of new draft biotechnology legislation on national organ donation and transplantation programmes was questioned, particularly regarding the reclassification of genetically modified human organs as medicinal products. In a response published on 22 June 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the proposal aims to provide legal clarity and harmonisation for innovative organ transplant technologies, clarifying that regardless of processing, organs will remain subject to the existing Directive 2010/53/EU, preserving the principles of voluntary unpaid donation and non-commercialisation.
❗ Future of the EU comprehensive approach to mental health
In a series of PQs (E-001329/26 from Alex Agius Saliba, (S&D), E-001329/26 from Tilly Metz, (Verts/ALE), E-001329/26 from Jana Toom, (Renew), E-001329/26 from Maria Walsh, (PPE)), lawmakers inquired about the long-term policy framework for mental health at the EU level following the conclusion of the comprehensive approach in 2026. In a response published on 22 June 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the Commission currently focuses on implementing the 20 flagship initiatives under the EU4Health programme and will move forward by launching an EU-wide inquiry into the impact of social media and screens on youth mental and physical health, while ensuring continued funding opportunities through the proposed multiannual financial framework.
❗ Protecting minors from aggressive skincare marketing on social media
In a series of PQs (E-001408/26 from Giuseppe Antoci, (The Left)), the Commission was asked how it intends to protect children from the aggressive promotion of adult skincare products by influencers on social media platforms. In a response published on 23 June 2026, Commissioner McGrath stated that the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive already prohibits targeting vulnerable consumers, and highlighted the planned Digital Fairness Act and the Digital Services Act as key tools to enforce child protection, alongside upcoming digital education initiatives to foster online literacy.
❓ Transparency of the Tobacco Products Directive evaluation
In a series of PQs (E-002473/2026 from Mariateresa Vivaldini, (ECR), E-002473/2026 from Daniele Polato, (ECR), E-002473/2026 from Sergio Berlato, (ECR), E-002473/2026 from Stefano Cavedagna, (ECR), E-002473/2026 from Chiara Gemma, (ECR), E-002473/2026 from Pietro Fiocchi, (ECR), E-002473/2026 from Denis Nesci, (ECR)), concerns were raised over the delayed publication of a key supporting study underpinning the Commission’s evaluation of the Tobacco Products Directive, hindering meaningful scrutiny. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❓ Integrating hearing health into healthy ageing and mental well-being
In a series of PQs (E-002380/2026 from Manuela Ripa, (PPE), E-002380/2026 from Tomáš Zdechovský, (PPE), E-002380/2026 from Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, (PPE), E-002380/2026 from Liudas Mažylis, (PPE), E-002380/2026 from Eleonora Meleti, (PPE), E-002380/2026 from Jagna Marczułajtis-Walczak, (PPE), E-002380/2026 from Elena Nevado del Campo, (PPE), E-002380/2026 from Alex Agius Saliba, (S&D), E-002380/2026 from Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, (S&D), E-002380/2026 from Ondřej Krutílek, (ECR), E-002380/2026 from Elisabetta Gualmini, (Renew), E-002380/2026 from Ciaran Mullooly, (Renew), E-002380/2026 from Majdouline Sbai, (Verts/ALE), E-002380/2026 from Mounir Satouri, (Verts/ALE), E-002380/2026 from Sebastian Everding, (The Left), E-002380/2026 from Merja Kyllönen, (The Left)), Members sought clarity on how the Commission plans to strengthen the prevention and early detection of hearing loss across Member States to support healthy ageing and reduce dementia risks. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❗ Delays in RRF-funded cancer treatment equipment in Spain
In a series of PQs (E-001077/26 from Sandra Gómez López, (S&D), E-001077/26 from Leire Pajín, (S&D)), concerns were raised regarding significant delays in the utilization of mobile electron accelerators for intraoperative radiation therapy purchased for Spanish hospitals using Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) funds. In a response published on 22 June 2026, Commissioner Dombrovskis stated that the Commission verified the installation of 862 equipment devices in Spain through a sample assessment in July 2025, but noted that Member States hold primary responsibility for the organization and delivery of healthcare services beyond the initial deployment targets.
❗ Protecting older persons in long-term care
In a series of PQs (E-001913/26 from Eleonora Meleti, (PPE)), the Commission was asked about measures to prevent the abuse and neglect of dependent older persons and whether common European standards for caregivers would be established. In a response published on 23 June 2026, Commissioner Mînzatu stated that the Commission supports Member States through the European Care Strategy and the Council Recommendation on Long-Term Care, highlighting the Large-Scale Skills Partnership for LTC to equip workers and mentioning that a European Care Deal will be put forward in 2027.
❗ Food safety and veterinary medicine residues in Ukrainian animal products
In a series of PQs (E-001446/26 from Sander Smit, (ECR)), questions were raised about structural shortcomings in Ukraine’s compliance with EU food safety regulations following RASFF alerts concerning antibiotic residues in eggs. In a response published on 22 June 2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that while intensified official controls led to reinforced checks, no category of goods from Ukraine currently faces increased frequency of checks as non-compliance has not exceeded the 30% threshold, and Ukraine’s inclusion on the authorized list remains valid.
❓ Impact of proposed PFAS ban on the food processing industry
In a series of PQs (E-002369/2026 from Stefan Köhler, (PPE), E-002369/2026 from Christine Singer, (Renew), E-002369/2026 from Angelika Niebler, (PPE), E-002369/2026 from Christian Doleschal, (PPE)), lawmakers inquired about potential exemptions to the planned ban on PFAS chemicals, highlighting their crucial role in maintaining hygiene standards within the food processing industry where alternatives are currently lacking. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❓ Managing health and trade risks of an atypical BSE case in Ireland
In a series of PQs (E-002424/2026 from Daniel Buda, (PPE)), the Commission was asked what immediate measures it intends to take to manage food chain safety risks and mitigate trade impacts following the confirmation of an atypical case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Ireland. Responses from the Commission are pending.
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
