This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published between Monday, 27 October 2025 and Sunday, 2 November 2025. During this period, 11 new PQs were published and 9 Commission Answers became available. Key themes this week included health systems and workforce challenges, public health and prevention strategies, the regulation of medicines and life sciences, and the intersection of environmental policy and health protection.
❗ Early Childhood Intervention services in Greece
In response to a question concerning the implementation of Early Childhood Intervention services under the Greek Recovery and Resilience Plan, the Commission provided an update. In a reply published on 29 October 2025, Executive Vice-President Fitto clarified that the project’s completion (measure 16904) will be assessed as part of the 9th payment request, due by 31 August 2026. The response for PQ E-003393/25 (link) also noted that the European Social Fund Plus is supporting related services with approximately EUR 162 million for the 2025–2029 period.
❓ Regulation of genetic counselling as an emerging healthcare profession
In PQ E-004138/2025 (link), Peter Agius (PPE) queries the Commission about alleged EU constraints, such as the proportionality test, that reportedly prevent Malta from establishing a national regulatory framework for genetic counselling. Published on 21 October 2025, the question asks the Commission to confirm if any EU legislation hinders Member States from regulating emerging healthcare professions and what steps it plans to take to ensure consistent standards of care and patient safety through professional recognition. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ The state of the Greek National Health System
In PQ E-004103/2025 (link), Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI) raises concerns about the condition of the Greek National Health System, citing protests at Attikon Hospital. Published on 17 October 2025, the question asks for the Commission’s position on healthcare workers’ demands for more staff, increased salaries, and higher public health funding, contrasting this with the EU’s ‘cost-benefit’ approach and the EU4Health programme’s budget. The MEP also questions the high percentage of Greeks without medical care. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Measures to protect and support people with disabilities
In PQ E-003908/2025 (link), Kostas Papadakis (NI) criticises the EU’s ‘cost-benefit’ disability policy, alleging it leads to cuts in benefits and rights for people with disabilities in Greece in favour of military spending. Published on 6 October 2025, the question asks for the Commission’s view on the deprivation of benefits and the commercialisation of care services, and suggests that the European Disability Card is a tool for further cuts. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Recognition of burnout as an occupational disease
In PQ E-003635/25 (link), Laurent Castillo (PPE) asked the Commission about plans to harmonise the definition of burnout and recognise it as an occupational disease. In a response published on 29 October 2025, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu stated that while the framework Directive 89/391/EEC covers psychosocial risks, there are currently no plans to include burnout in the European schedule of occupational diseases. The Commission is, however, addressing the issue through its comprehensive approach to mental health, a peer review on psychosocial risks, and an upcoming Healthy Workplace Campaign by EU-OSHA for 2026-2028.
❗ Financial discrimination against cancer survivors
In PQ P-003571/25 (link), Kateřina Konečná (NI) questioned the Commission on financial discrimination faced by cancer survivors, particularly regarding mortgages and insurance, and the delay in including the ‘right to be forgotten’ (RTBF) in the Mortgage Credit Directive (MCD). In a response published on 28 October 2025, Commissioner Albuquerque acknowledged the difficulties but stated the Commission lacks specific data and that no decision has been taken to revise the MCD. The Commission encouraged stakeholders to continue dialogue on a Code of Conduct to advance the RTBF, as outlined in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.
❗ EU positive list to regulate the trade in pet animals
In PQ E-003282/25 (link), Niels Fuglsang (S&D) urged the Commission to propose an EU-wide positive list for animals kept as pets to address animal welfare, biodiversity, and zoonotic disease risks. In a response published on 28 October 2025, Commissioner Roswall confirmed that a study exploring the feasibility and value of such a list is underway and expected to be finalised by the end of 2025. The Commission stated it is premature to determine if a legislative proposal is necessary but remains committed to evidence-based policy responses.
❓ Highly dangerous EU-supported gain-of-function research
In PQ E-004131/2025 (link), Gerald Hauser (PfE) questions the Commission’s funding of gain-of-function research, citing previous funding to the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the potential pandemic risks. Published on 21 October 2025, the question asks which labs have received such funding since 2020, how this research is regulated in the EU, and whether the Commission will follow the US in restricting it. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Strategy for European life sciences
In PQ E-004156/2025 (link), Ton Diepeveen (PfE) questions the Commission’s timing and rationale for launching a new strategy for European life sciences while other related initiatives, like the EU Biotech Act, are still in preparation. Published on 22 October 2025, the question asks on what basis the Commission concluded that new investment and regulations are necessary without concrete results from existing initiatives. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Obsolescence of Regulation (EU) 528/2012 on biocidal products
In PQ E-004160/2025 (link), Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE) highlights that the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) restricts innovative filtration technologies that use physical rather than chemical means to inactivate microorganisms. Published on 22 October 2025, the question asks if the Commission is considering revising the BPR to allow such technologies on the market and to clarify the definition of ‘biocidal effect’ to distinguish physical from chemical action. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Ensuring adequate funding for public health under the new MFF
In PQ E-004143/2025 (link), Dimitris Tsiodras (PPE) expresses concern that the Commission’s proposal for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) does not include a successor to the EU4Health programme and absorbs health into a broader Competitiveness Fund. Published on 21 October 2025, the question asks how the Commission will ensure adequate and autonomous funding for public health and the European Health Union in the next MFF. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ Restrictions on Methylene chloride (dichloromethane)
In response to a question regarding the use of Methylene chloride in car batteries, the Commission clarified the existing regulatory framework. In a reply for PQ E-003595/25 (link) published on 31 October 2025, Executive Vice-President Séjourné explained that the substance is already restricted for use in paint strippers under REACH. The Commission noted that Sweden has additional national bans for other uses but also provides for exemptions, and that this specific case appears to be covered by national regulation beyond the scope of current EU-level restrictions.
❗ Restriction of lead ammunition under REACH
In response to a question on lead ammunition, the Commission outlined its process for proposing restrictions under REACH. In a reply for PQ E-003562/25 (link) published on 31 October 2025, Executive Vice-President Séjourné stated that the Commission bases its proposals on evidence from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). ECHA’s report supported restricting large calibre lead bullets due to the availability of effective alternatives and the significant human health benefits (reducing IQ loss and kidney disease) valued at EUR 77.5-145 million per year. The draft proposal is currently under discussion with Member States.
❗ Marine pollution from offshore wind turbines
In PQ E-003481/25 (link), Mathilde Androuët (PfE) raised concerns about environmental pollution from offshore wind farms, including heavy metals and microplastics. In a response published on 30 October 2025, Commissioner Roswall stated that authorising projects is a Member State responsibility, but they must comply with EU legislation requiring environmental impact assessments. The Commission affirmed its support for research to understand and mitigate environmental impacts, in line with the Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy.
❗ Failure of negotiations for a global plastics treaty
In PQ E-003289/25 (link), César Luena (S&D) asked about the impact of the failure to agree on a global plastics treaty. In a response published on 28 October 2025, Commissioner Roswall stated that despite the setback, the EU remains committed to its internal targets on plastic reduction and the circular economy. The Commission will continue to implement existing legislation on single-use plastics and packaging waste and will engage actively with stakeholders to achieve a global agreement that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics.
❓ Radioactive waste under EU ocean policy
In PQ E-004186/2025 (link), Francisco José Millán Mon (PPE) and Adrián Vázquez Lázara (PPE) ask about the management of dumped radioactive waste drums in the ocean, in the context of the new Ocean Pact. Published on 23 October 2025, the question asks if the Commission will include these areas in its ocean observation initiative and if it will launch a new initiative with Member States to monitor the drums and neutralise spill risks. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Temporary extension for the use of acetamiprid on banana crops
In PQ E-004146/2025 (link), Carmen Crespo Díaz (PPE) requests a temporary two-year extension for the use of the active substance acetamiprid on banana crops in the Canary Islands, as its authorisation is set to expire in October 2025. Published on 21 October 2025, the question argues there are no viable alternatives to control whiteflies and asks if the Commission will authorise the extension to avoid jeopardising the crop’s sustainability. A response from the Commission is pending.
All Parliamentary Questions and Commission Answers are accessible via Policy-Insider.AI.
