Overview
This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published between 09.08.2026 and 16.08.2026. During this period, 6 new PQs were published and 3 Commission Answers became available. Key themes this week included EU menopause policies, biotechnology regulation, health system reforms, and environmental health rights.
❓ EU policies and strategies on menopause
In a series of PQs (E-002683/2026 from Irmhild Boßdorf, (ESN), E-003129/2026 from Elena Kountoura, (The Left)), Members of the European Parliament questioned the Commission on its approach to menopause care, highlighting the need for a comprehensive European strategy that integrates menopause into health and employment policies while addressing concerns over the potential influence of pharmaceutical industry lobbying on these policy priorities. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❓ European strategy for tackling infertility
In a parliamentary question (E-003130/2026 from Elena Kountoura, (The Left)), the Commission was asked whether it plans to propose a new European strategy for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility in line with World Health Organization recommendations, and if it intends to support specific funding mechanisms in the new Multiannual Financial Framework to reduce the financial burden of assisted reproduction. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❓ Recognition and support for Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
In a parliamentary question (E-002631/2026 from Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, (Renew)), concerns were raised regarding the high prevalence of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Europe, prompting queries on the Commission’s actions to promote consistent diagnosis, include FASD within the European Disability Rights Strategy, and provide explicit policy guidance to address inequalities in support. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❗ European Biotech Act and regulatory frameworks
In a parliamentary question (E-002341/2026), the Commission was asked about the upcoming Biotech Act II and efforts to enhance industrial competitiveness. In a response published on 11.08.2026, Executive Vice-President Séjourné stated that the Commission aims to increase the resilience of the single market and has proposed a Regulation and a Directive to reduce administrative burdens for microbial innovations, with a full mapping of regulatory bottlenecks expected to be published by the end of September 2026.
❓ EPPO investigations into COVID-19 vaccine contracts
In a parliamentary question (E-002889/2026 from Gerald Hauser, (PfE)), the Commission was asked when it was informed by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) about a judicial investigation relating to the President of the Commission concerning COVID-19 vaccine contracts, and how it assesses the European Chief Prosecutor’s previous remarks on the absence of suspects. Responses from the Commission are pending.
❗ Recovery and Resilience Facility support for Greek surgeries
In a parliamentary question (E-002705/2026), inquiries were made regarding the financing of the afternoon surgery programme in Greece. In a response published on 11.08.2026, Executive Vice-President Fitto stated that the programme is supported by the Recovery and Resilience Facility under a specific measure targeting the reduction of surgery waiting lists, which will be assessed as part of Greece’s ninth payment request expected in September 2026.
❗ European Care Strategy and long-term care workforce
In a parliamentary question (E-002865/2026), the Commission was asked about measures to support the care sector. In a response published on 11.08.2026, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu stated that the European Care Strategy and the related Council Recommendation set out a policy framework for investments and reforms, supported by EU-level actions including a self-assessment toolkit, online training for informal carers, and a large-scale skills partnership under the Pact for Skills.
❓ Guaranteeing access to drinking water as a human right
In a parliamentary question (E-003149/2026 from Nikolas Farantouris, (S&D)), the Commission was asked whether it intends to take legislative steps, such as amending the Charter of Fundamental Rights or strengthening existing directives, to fully guarantee access to drinking water as a human right, and what additional measures are planned under the Water Resilience Strategy. Responses from the Commission are pending.
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
