Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published between 19.07.2026 and 26.07.2026. During this period, 11 new PQs were published and 7 Commission Answers became available. Key themes this week included mental health initiatives, pharmaceutical regulation, health workforce and care policies, and environmental health risks such as PFAS contamination.
Mental Health Initiatives
❓ Youth mental health and regional disparities
In a series of PQs (E-002895/2026 from Giuseppe Antoci, (The Left), E-002851/2026 from Elena Kountoura, (The Left)), Members raised concerns about the rising rates of mental health disorders among young people and the lack of accessible community services. The questions call on the Commission to propose a dedicated European strategy or action plan for youth mental health, implement mandatory mental health impact assessments in relevant policies, and outline how EU funds can be utilised to reduce territorial disparities in access to psychological support, specifically highlighting regions like Sicily. Responses from the Commission are pending.
Food Safety and Nutrition
❓ Health risks of lab-grown meat
In a PQ (E-002888/2026 from Gerald Hauser, (PfE)), the Member questioned the long-term health and consumer safety implications of lab-grown meat. Citing Italy’s national ban and potential risks related to cell lines, growth factors, and microbial contamination, the question asks whether the Commission will advocate for an EU-wide ban or rely on long-term scientific studies before granting novel food authorisations. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❗ Maximum levels for vitamins and minerals
In a PQ (E-002331/2026), an inquiry addressed the establishment of harmonised maximum levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements. In responses published on 22.07.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has updated safe consumption levels for over ten substances and that preparatory discussions with Member States are ongoing. A Call for Evidence to collect public feedback is planned for the second half of 2026, with maximum levels to be derived based on risk assessments and varying consumer sensitivity.
❗ Salmonella in imported poultry
In a PQ (E-001939/2026), an inquiry focused on salmonella contamination in Brazilian poultry meat imports. In responses published on 22.07.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that imported poultry must comply with EU microbiological criteria and that border control posts perform risk-based physical checks. The Commission noted that Greece has not made any notifications to the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) regarding such contamination in 2026, but reiterated that stricter measures, including import restrictions, can be adopted if specific risks are identified.
❓ Implementation of the new pharmaceutical legislation
In a PQ (E-002706/2026 from Michalis Hadjipantela, (PPE)), the Member requested clarity on the application timeline for various provisions of the newly reformed EU pharmaceutical legislation. The inquiry specifically asked for predictability regarding the application of orphan drug incentives under Article 72 of the new regulation, noting its significant impact on the development of rare disease therapies. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❓ Anti-dumping measures for amoxicillin ingredients
In a PQ (E-002527/2026 from Majdouline Sbai, (Verts/ALE)), the Member highlighted an anti-dumping complaint lodged against Chinese imports of 6-aminopenicillanic acid, a key ingredient for producing amoxicillin. Referencing the Critical Medicines Act, the question asks the Commission to publish its studies on Chinese commercial practices in the antibiotics sector and outline its approach to processing investigation requests from European companies to defend against unfair trade practices. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❗ Quality control of COVID-19 vaccine batches
In a PQ (E-002241/2026), an inquiry questioned the quality and potential side effects of specific COVID-19 vaccine batches. In responses published on 22.07.2026, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has no evidence suggesting that certain batches caused more serious side effects. The Commission confirmed that independent controls are performed by Member State Official Medicines Control Laboratories and that pharmacovigilance systems continuously monitor for adverse reactions.
❗ Reporting on compulsory licensing and public health
In a PQ (E-002234/2026), an inquiry requested updates on Regulation (EC) No 816/2006 regarding compulsory licensing of patents relating to the manufacture of pharmaceutical products for export. In responses published on 20.07.2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné stated that the Commission is preparing a report for the European Parliament and Council focusing on rights-holder remuneration, the simplified procedure, prevention of trade diversion, and the implementation of the Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health.
❓ Timeline and capacity of the European Care Deal
In a series of PQs (E-002906/2026 from Kathleen Funchion, (The Left), E-002905/2026 from Kathleen Funchion, (The Left)), the Member addressed the upcoming European Care Deal scheduled for 2027. The questions urge the Commission to provide a concrete timeline and ask whether the Deal will include binding commitments to address severe capacity challenges, improve the care workforce through collective bargaining, and alleviate crises such as hospital overcrowding in Ireland by strengthening community care services. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❓ Medical preparedness at international airports
In a PQ (E-002931/2026 from Sakis Arnaoutoglou, (S&D)), the Member raised concerns regarding the adequacy of medical staffing and emergency care services at busy EU international airports, citing Heraklion’s airport in Greece as an example. The question asks if the Commission provides European guidelines or best practices for pre-hospital emergency care at airports and what funding tools are available to Member States to enhance medical preparedness at these critical transport hubs. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❗ EU Health security framework and pandemic preparedness
In a PQ (E-001983/2026), an inquiry examined the EU’s pandemic preparedness and health security frameworks. In responses published on 20.07.2026, Commissioner Lahbib stated that the Commission has updated the EU Health security framework, establishing the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and adopting regulations on serious cross-border threats. The Commission will adopt the second State of Health Preparedness Report later this year, based on Member State reporting and ECDC assessments.
❗ Recognition of nursing qualifications and mobility
In a PQ (E-002276/2026), an inquiry concerned the recognition of professional qualifications and mobility for nurses. In responses published on 22.07.2026, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu stated that Directive 2005/36/EC sets minimum training requirements and allows Member States to grant full or partial exemption via academic recognition for career changes. The upcoming Skills Portability Initiative will aim to modernise qualification recognition processes, though it will not modify the minimum training requirements for health professions.
❗ Occupational safety and health for firefighters
In a PQ (E-002201/2026), an inquiry addressed the occupational health risks faced by firefighters. In responses published on 22.07.2026, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu stated that the Commission supports preparedness through EU funding and highlighted the recent provisional agreement on the sixth revision of the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances Directive. The Commission also intends to launch a study by 2028 to monitor firefighters’ exposure to wildfires and potential long-term health impacts.
❓ PFAS contamination in food and the environment
In a series of PQs (E-002786/2026 from Dario Tamburrano, (The Left), E-002887/2026 from Gerald Hauser, (PfE)), Members raised alarms over exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). One inquiry focused on the lack of public monitoring data for agri-food products in the Veneto region and potential risks of further food contamination. Another highlighted the continuous release of PFAS from wind turbine components into the environment, questioning the adequacy of current EU limits. The Members urged the Commission to enforce consumer risk assessments and asked what actions will be taken to ban or strictly limit these chemicals. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❓ Energy performance policies and extreme heat risks
In a PQ (O-000032/2026 from Catherine Griset, (PfE)), the Member highlighted the public health risks posed by extreme heat episodes, particularly for vulnerable populations in hospitals, schools, and care homes. The oral question asks how the Commission will ensure that decarbonisation goals and EU rules on the energy performance of buildings do not impede Member States’ flexibility to install necessary cooling equipment to protect public health. Responses from the Commission are pending.
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
