Tobacco Regulation, Healthcare Workforce & Mental Health Strategy

❓ Obesity prevention and the Safe Hearts Plan

In a series of PQs (E-002811/2026 from Elena Kountoura, (The Left), E-002852/2026 from Carlo Ciccioli, (ECR), Carlo Fidanza, (ECR), Michele Picaro, (ECR), Ruggero Razza, (ECR)), Members questioned the Commission on recognizing obesity as a chronic disease and its role as a primary driver of cardiovascular issues. The PQs call for targeted public information, promotion of the Mediterranean diet, and specific financial tools to support early diagnosis and combat childhood obesity within the EU cardiovascular health plan (Safe Hearts Plan). Responses from the Commission are pending.

❓ Crisis in mental health services in Cyprus

In a PQ (E-002847/2026 from Geadis Geadi, (ECR)), concerns were raised regarding severe psychiatric bed shortages and hospital overcrowding in Cyprus, inquiring about funding and technical support options for community mental health infrastructure. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❓ Continuity in EU mental health initiatives

In a PQ (E-002598/2026 from Elena Nevado del Campo, (PPE)), systemic mental health challenges across the EU were highlighted, including the integration of mental health into employment and social policies beyond 2026. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❗ Tobacco control and nicotine pouches regulation

In a series of PQs (E-002256/2026, E-001951/2026), the Commission addressed the regulation of tobacco and novel nicotine products. In responses published on 17.07.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the Commission intends to propose a revision of the legislative framework on tobacco control by the end of 2026, following ongoing impact assessments and public consultations. Regarding nicotine pouches, the Commission noted that Member States retain discretion to restrict non-harmonised products to protect public health, finding no evidence that recent French legislation on the matter is disproportionate.

❓ COVID-19 vaccination recommendations for vulnerable groups

In a PQ (E-002794/2026 from Gerald Hauser, (PfE)), the medical justification for recommending regular COVID-19 vaccinations for vulnerable groups was questioned, citing the withdrawal of similar recommendations in the US. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❗ COVID-19 vaccines and cancer incidence in Greece

In a PQ (E-002252/2026), concerns about cancer incidence and COVID-19 vaccines were raised. In a response published on 17.07.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has not established any causal association between COVID-19 vaccines and an increase in cancer incidence, while noting that Greece currently lacks a functioning cancer registry to provide direct national incidence data.

❓ Banning monacolin K in food supplements

In a PQ (E-002725/2026 from Esther Herranz García, (PPE), Elena Nevado del Campo, (PPE), Dolors Montserrat, (PPE), Raúl de la Hoz Quintano, (PPE)), Members challenged the Commission’s move towards a total ban on monacolin K derived from red yeast rice. The PQ questions the proportionality of the ban before new scientific evidence is published, asking how a zero-risk approach aligns with heart health goals and why the Commission is proceeding with a vote while a relevant CJEU ruling on a similar ban procedure is still pending. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❓ Protecting workers’ rights during medical absences

In a PQ (E-002830/2026 from Idoia Mendia, (S&D), Alicia Homs Ginel, (S&D), Leire Pajín, (S&D), Nicolás González Casares, (S&D)), Members highlighted the need to protect workers facing financial penalties during duly recognized sick leave. Lawmakers urged the Commission to ensure the upcoming Quality Jobs Act prevents punitive measures for medical absences. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❓ Support for healthcare workers with Long Covid

In a PQ (E-002545/2026 from Ciaran Mullooly, (Renew)), the specific plight of healthcare workers suffering from Long Covid who have exhausted their sickness benefits was raised. Members asked for an assessment of Member States’ implementation of Parliament’s recommendations on Long Covid support. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❓ Midwifery training requirements under Directive 2005/36/EC

In a PQ (E-002727/2026 from Marc Angel, (S&D)), Members inquired about the draft delegated act updating minimum training requirements for midwives, asking how international standards and competency frameworks were assessed in its preparation. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❓ Implementation of the European care strategy

In a PQ (E-002865/2026 from Regina Doherty, (PPE)), questions were raised regarding concrete progress, Member State uptake, and remaining challenges in implementing the European care strategy four years after its adoption. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❗ Addressing healthcare workforce shortages in Greece

In a PQ (E-002200/2026), the Commission outlined its support for regional health systems. In a response published on 17.07.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the EU is addressing persistent healthcare workforce shortages and high out-of-pocket payments in Greece through the Recovery and Resilience Plan and European Semester recommendations.

❗ Healthcare support in the Outermost Regions

In a PQ (E-002261/2026), the Commission outlined its support for regional health systems. In a response published on 15.07.2026, Executive Vice-President Fitto confirmed continued tailored support for the Outermost Regions through EU4Health and cohesion funds to strengthen resilience, access to care, and workforce capacity.

❗ EU-India pharmaceutical supply chain

In a PQ (E-001995/2026), the strategic relationship with India regarding medicines was addressed. In a response published on 13.07.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the Commission recognizes India’s role in global pharmaceutical supply chains. While Joint Working Group meetings paused during the EU-India Free Trade Agreement negotiations, which included health-related provisions, the Commission is now assessing the most effective format to resume engagement following the conclusion of the FTA.

❗ Regulation of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems

In a PQ (E-002029/2026), the compliance of continuous glucose monitoring systems was discussed. In a response published on 17.07.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that CGMs must comply with the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) or In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVDR). The Commission is collecting stakeholder information to request new harmonised standards for CGMs and is developing short-term device-specific guidance through the Medical Device Coordination Group to clarify technical requirements.

❗ Funding for ME/CFS research under Horizon Europe

In a PQ (E-001988/2026), the prioritization of under-researched medical conditions was raised. In a response published on 15.07.2026, Commissioner Zaharieva stated that while Horizon Europe does not earmark specific funding for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), the 2025 and 2026-2027 work programmes include call topics relevant to tackling high-burden, under-researched conditions and post-infection long-term conditions. The Commission may consider proposing further call topics for such conditions subject to the next Multiannual Financial Framework negotiations.

❓ Health risks in Mercosur meat imports

In a PQ (E-002387/2026 from Mireia Borrás Pabón, (PfE)), lawmakers questioned the Commission on the provisional application of the EU-Mercosur Agreement despite known health risks, such as the use of banned antimicrobials and Salmonella contamination in Brazilian meat. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❓ EU review of cadmium limits in phosphate fertilisers

In a PQ (E-002713/2026 from Anthony Smith, (The Left)), concerns were raised regarding the health impacts of carcinogenic cadmium in phosphate fertilisers, with calls to align future EU thresholds with stricter national agency recommendations during the upcoming review of Regulation (EU) 2019/1009. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❓ Extreme heatwaves and civil protection

In a PQ (E-002780/2026 from Ruggero Razza, (ECR), Alberico Gambino, (ECR), Chiara Gemma, (ECR), Giuseppe Milazzo, (ECR), Daniele Polato, (ECR), Francesco Torselli, (ECR), Mariateresa Vivaldini, (ECR)), the escalating impact of extreme temperatures was highlighted. The PQ addresses the severe public health impact of extreme heatwaves across Mediterranean Member States, which have caused excess deaths and strained health and social care systems. Lawmakers asked whether the European preparedness and resilience strategy prioritizes this risk and if the Union civil protection mechanism will be strengthened to handle the increase in extreme weather events. Responses from the Commission are pending.

❗ Protecting women with disabilities from violence and health disparities

In a PQ (E-001387/2026), the rights and health access of women with disabilities were addressed. In a response published on 16.07.2026, Commissioner Lahbib stated that the Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030 and Directive (EU) 2024/1385 ensure support and redress for victims of violence, including forced sterilisation where criminalised. The Commission is also exploring ways to improve the quality and accessibility of physical and mental healthcare for women with disabilities in cooperation with the World Health Organization, alongside launching a study on violence against this demographic.

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