This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published between Monday, 13 October 2025 and Sunday, 19 October 2025. During this period, 16 new PQs were published and 11 Commission Answers became available. Key themes this week included public health and prevention, particularly concerning cancer and tobacco control; the regulation of medicines, medical devices, and chemicals; the resilience of health systems and emergency response; and the intersection of environmental factors and public health.
Cancer Prevention & Tobacco Control
❓ EU funding for the marketing of red and processed meat
In PQ E-003909/2025, published on 6 October 2025, MEP Anja Hazekamp (The Left) questions the Commission’s continued funding for the marketing of red and processed meat, which are classified as carcinogenic, despite the goals of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. The MEP asks about the scientific methodology used to prevent greenwashing in funding applications, why the Commission funds campaigns for carcinogenic food, and whether the new ‘Buy European Food’ campaign will continue this support. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Review of the Tobacco Products Directive
In PQ E-003980/2025, published on 9 October 2025, MEP Billy Kelleher (Renew) asks about the status of the review of the Tobacco Products Directive. He notes that while a revised Tobacco Taxation Directive was proposed to address novel nicotine products, the parallel review of the Tobacco Products Directive appears to have stalled. The MEP asks why the proposals were not made in parallel and when the review will be completed and published, referencing the Commission’s commitment in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission addresses risks of e-cigarettes
In a response to PQ E-002114/2025 published on 17 October 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi acknowledged the health challenges posed by e-cigarettes, citing a report from the Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks. He stated that these challenges are being considered in the ongoing evaluation of the EU’s tobacco control legislative framework and are being discussed with Member States. The Commission is not aware of any Member State having used provisional measures under Article 20(11) of the Tobacco Products Directive to prohibit specific e-cigarettes due to a serious risk to human health.
❗ EU measures on sunbed exposure and online marketing
In a response to PQ E-003017/2025 published on 17 October 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi confirmed that as part of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the Commission is exploring measures on UV radiation exposure from sunbeds. He noted that sunbeds must meet the Low Voltage Directive’s safety requirements, which cover cancer-related risks, but more information is needed to develop further policy recommendations. Regarding online influence, the Commissioner highlighted that the Digital Services Act requires very large online platforms to mitigate systemic risks for minors and that the Commission promotes media literacy campaigns for young people.
Cardiovascular & Neurological Health
❓ Improving access to diagnosis and treatment for cardiovascular diseases
In PQE-003891/2025 , published on 3 October 2025, MEP Dimitris Tsiodras (PPE) asks the Commission about its intentions for the upcoming EU cardiovascular health plan. The questions focus on boosting prevention, addressing inequalities in healthcare access between Member States, and utilising the next multiannual financial framework to support research and new, personalised care models for cardiovascular diseases, which affect over 60 million people in the EU. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Including acquired brain injuries in the International Classification of Diseases
In PQ E-003906/2025, published on 6 October 2025, MEPs Leire Pajín and Sandra Gómez López (both S&D) highlight that acquired brain injuries (ABI) lack a specific code in the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) International Classification of Diseases (ICD). They ask if the Commission will advocate for the creation of a specific ABI code in coordination with the WHO and how it intends to ensure Member States can properly record and address ABI cases in their health and social systems. A response from the Commission is pending.
Mental Health & Social Issues
❗ Commission reports no increase in suicides during COVID-19 lockdowns
In a response to PQ E-003088/2025published on 14 October 2025, Commissioner Zaharieva addressed the topic of loneliness during the pandemic. Citing a Joint Research Centre analysis, she noted that loneliness doubled to roughly 25% during early lockdowns but had to be balanced against the need to contain the virus. The Commissioner stated that no official data exists on deaths specifically from loneliness, and Eurostat data shows that suicides in the EU did not increase in 2020 and 2021, with a 10% decrease observed between 2011 and 2021.
❓ EU funding for World Youth Alliance follow-up
In PQ E-003886/2025, published on 3 October 2025, a group of MEPs led by Lucia Yar (Renew) follows up on a previous question regarding Erasmus+ funds awarded to the World Youth Alliance (WYA). The MEPs ask for the conclusion of the Commission’s assessment into a possible breach of the grant agreement over alleged misinformation on reproductive health. They also request details on monitoring activities in place before and after the case became public to ensure EU funds do not support activities incompatible with European values. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Slovak constitutional amendment on ‘cultural and ethical matters’
In PQ E-003924/2025, published on 7 October 2025, MEPs Maria Noichl, Birgit Sippel, and Marc Angel (all S&D) question the Commission on a recent constitutional amendment in Slovakia. They state the amendment undermines the primacy of EU law on ‘cultural and ethical matters’ and restricts rights related to gender recognition, sexuality education, and adoption. The MEPs ask if the amendment complies with EU treaties, what legal instruments the Commission will use to address potential violations of fundamental rights, and how it will prevent further attacks on sexual and reproductive health and rights. A response from the Commission is pending.
Medical Devices & Preparedness
❗ Commission to propose revision of Medical Devices Regulations by end of 2025
In a response to PQ E-002957/2025 published on 17 October 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi confirmed that the Commission will present a legislative proposal for a revision of the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostics Regulation (IVDR) by the end of 2025. The revision aims to reduce administrative burden, enhance the predictability of certification processes, and make conformity assessment requirements more proportionate, especially for low- and medium-risk devices and for small and medium-sized enterprises, without compromising patient safety.
❗ EU medical countermeasure stockpiling strategy outlined
In a response to PQ E-003083/2025 published on 13 October 2025, Commissioner Lahbib clarified that stockpiling of medical countermeasures is primarily a Member State competence. However, the Commission supports Member States through workshops and has developed a priority list for last-resort rescEU stockpiles against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, many of which are sourced from EU SMEs. By 2026, the Commission will develop a list of candidate countermeasures for advance purchase and inclusion in EU strategic stockpiles, and discussions are ongoing about including investigational products in these reserves.
Chemicals & Food Safety
❓ Residues of banned antibiotics detected in eggs from Ukraine
In PQ E-003782/2025, published on 29 September 2025, MEP Daniel Buda (PPE) raises concerns about eggs from Ukraine sold on the EU market containing residues of antibiotics banned in the EU. He states this poses a risk to consumer health and creates unfair competition for EU farmers. The MEP asks what measures the Commission plans to take to protect public health and ensure market fairness, and how it will improve traceability and checks on agri-food products entering the single market. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Exports of chemicals banned in the EU
In PQ E-003973/2025, published on 8 October 2025, MEPs Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Sigrid Friis, and Martin Hojsík (all Renew) question the Commission on its commitment to stop the export of hazardous chemicals banned in the EU. They note a 50% rise in exports of such pesticides and ask what concrete measures will be taken to implement the results of a 2023 public consultation, what legal tool will be used to enact a ban before Q2 2026, and whether exporting these pesticides conflicts with the EU’s vision for agriculture. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ REACH restriction on lead in rimfire ammunition
In PQ E-003959/2025, published on 8 October 2025, MEP Riho Terras (PPE) questions the Commission’s proposed restriction on lead in rimfire ammunition under the REACH Regulation. Citing ECHA’s confirmation that lead-free alternatives are not available or suitable for hunting, the MEP asks how the proposed ban complies with the REACH requirement for technically feasible alternatives and how the socio-economic impacts on hunters have been assessed. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Health and environmental concerns over coffin imports from China
In PQ E-003883/2025, published on 3 October 2025, a group of MEPs led by Michele Picaro (ECR) raises concerns about coffin imports from China, alleging dumping practices that undermine the Italian production sector. They also highlight public health risks from the use of toxic paints banned in the EU, which release carcinogenic particles during cremation. The MEPs ask if the Commission will launch an anti-dumping investigation, take steps to ensure compliance with EU health standards, and step up customs controls. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Commission defends process for restricting lead in ammunition
In a response to PQ P-003539/2025 published on 13 October 2025, Executive Vice-President Séjourné stated that the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) opinions on the proposed restriction on lead in ammunition duly considered estimates of approximately 4,000 shotgun shooting ranges in the EU. He affirmed that the restriction proposal fulfils the requirements of Article 73 of the REACH Regulation and that its process complies with Better Regulation principles, using the best available information for assessing socio-economic impacts.
❗ Commission details process for lowering thiacloprid MRLs
In a response to PQ E-003063/2025 published on 17 October 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi explained the decision to lower Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for the pesticide thiacloprid. The substance’s approval was not renewed due to groundwater contamination risks. Following the European Parliament’s rejection of a draft regulation maintaining an import tolerance for tea, and due to concerns about potential endocrine effects, the Commission prepared a new regulation provisionally lowering all MRLs until the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) completes a further assessment. A transition period was provided for products already on the market.
❗ No reassessment of neonicotinoid restrictions planned
In a response to PQ P-003269/2025 published on 16 October 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 does not require the Commission to assess the availability of alternatives when restricting active substances. He confirmed that a reassessment of the restrictions on neonicotinoids is not currently planned, as the approvals for clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and imidacloprid expired after the applicants withdrew their renewal applications. However, he noted that the Commission’s ‘Vision for Agriculture and Food’ commits to carefully considering any further pesticide bans if alternatives are not yet available, unless there is a threat to human health or the environment.
❓ Disqualified doctors continuing to practise in other EU Member States
In PQ E-003949/2025, published on 8 October 2025, MEP Ton Diepeveen (PfE) raises concerns about healthcare professionals who lose their licence in one Member State but continue to work in another. Citing a study and a European Court of Auditors report, he claims the European Internal Market Information (IMI) warning system is inadequate. He asks for an update on new guidelines, which Member States are being considered for infringement proceedings, and what the Commission will do to improve the use of the IMI system to protect patients. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Access to 112 emergency services after 2G/3G phase-out
In PQ E-003985/2025, published on 10 October 2025, MEP Elena Kountoura (The Left) expresses concern that the phase-out of 2G and 3G networks and the adoption of the S8 Home Routing standard for roaming could hinder access to 112 emergency services. This standard can result in ‘anonymous’ calls, preventing emergency services from calling back or receiving precise location data. She asks if the Commission has assessed this risk and what steps it will take to ensure unhindered access to 112 for all citizens. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Care facilities for adults with special needs
In PQ E-003954/2025, published on 8 October 2025, MEP Fernand Kartheiser (NI) asks the Commission about improving infrastructure for adults with disabilities to support their freedom of movement. Highlighting a campaign in Luxembourg to install changing tables and care facilities in public places, he asks if the Commission recognises the importance of such schemes and if it could encourage other Member States to establish similar initiatives to improve cross-border mobility for persons with disabilities. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ EASA has not detected aviation safety risks from COVID-19 vaccination
In a response to PQ E-003270/2025published on 13 October 2025, Commissioner Tzitzikostas stated that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) monitors safety risks from flight crew incapacitation. After the start of COVID-19 vaccination, EASA was not able to confirm any inflight incapacitation related to vaccination, nor any severe adverse reaction affecting flight safety. This conclusion was based on contacts with national aviation authorities and a review of occurrence reports. As no serious adverse reactions affecting aviation safety have been detected, no mitigation measures are required.
❗ Commission outlines support for Member States on vector-borne diseases
In a response to PQE-003106/2025published on 17 October 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi detailed EU support for managing vector-borne diseases like West Nile virus, dengue, and chikungunya. He noted that the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) provides voluntary guidelines and surveillance data. The Commission funds vector control projects through EU4Health, has invested over EUR 500 million in research via Horizon programmes, and allows Member States to use Cohesion Policy Funds for related public health investments.
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