This report covers Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and Commission Answers published between Monday, 10 November 2025 and Sunday, 16 November 2025. During this period, 10 new PQs were published and 23 Commission Answers became available. Key themes this week included medicines regulation and transparency, particularly concerning COVID-19 vaccines and the ‘Pfizergate’ affair, public health and prevention strategies related to tobacco control and disease surveillance, and the intersection of environmental policy and health, with a focus on food and product safety.
COVID-19 Vaccines & Transparency (‘Pfizergate’)
❗ Commission’s record-keeping guidelines following ‘Pfizergate’
In a response published on 12 November 2025 to a question from Friedrich Pürner (NI) concerning deleted text messages between the Commission President and Pfizer’s CEO, Commissioner Šefčovič stated that the messages were considered short-lived and did not meet the criteria for registration under Commission rules. He noted that the Commission updated its rules in December 2024 to clarify that text messaging applications should only be used for short-lived information. The question (E-003222/25, published 11 August 2025) sought clarity on whether the Commission would amend its internal guidelines on keeping records of digital communications.
❗ Follow-up on CJEU judgment on access to text messages
Responding to Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle (Renew) on 14 November 2025, Commissioner Šefčovič addressed the deletion of text messages requested by journalists. He reiterated that the messages did not meet registration criteria established before the access request was made and stated that the Commission’s records management system does not identify whether a registered document was an instant text message. The question (P-003224/25, published 12 August 2025) asked why the messages were deleted after an access to documents request had been filed.
❗ Safety and authorisation of COVID-19 vaccines
In a response published on 10 November 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi confirmed that conditional marketing authorisations for several COVID-19 vaccines were converted to standard authorisations after obligations were fulfilled. He stated there is no evidence justifying the revocation of any authorisations and that claims for damages are subject to Member State legislation. The original question (E-003388/25) concerned the continued authorisation of vaccines despite reported adverse effects.
❗ EMA’s handling of myocarditis and pericarditis cases
Commissioner Várhelyi, in a reply dated 11 November 2025, detailed the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) timeline for assessing and communicating the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis linked to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The EMA was first made aware of cases in Israel in March 2021, began assessing EU cases in May 2021, and recommended listing them as new side effects in July 2021. The original question (E-003631/25) asked when the EMA was first informed about these side effects.
❗ Regulatory alignment on COVID-19 vaccine composition
In a response published on 14 November 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that recommendations from the EMA and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the Comirnaty vaccine for 2025 are not divergent, as both indicate the preferential use of the LP.8.1 variant. He confirmed that the EMA consulted with international partners, including the FDA, and that single-dose vials of Comirnaty are authorised for use in the EU. The original question (E-003611/25) sought clarity on perceived differences in regulatory guidance.
❓ EMA spending on Christmas decorations and vaccine death investigations
Virginie Joron (PfE) submitted a question on 7 November 2025 (E-004406/2025) regarding the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) expenditure of EUR 72,000 on Christmas decorations. The question also asks for the total number of suspicious deaths linked to COVID-19 vaccines investigated by the EMA and how many were confirmed as being caused or likely caused by a vaccine. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Closure of bank accounts in connection with ‘Pfizergate’
Fabio De Masi (NI) asked the Council in a question published on 31 October 2025 (E-004278/2025) if it has evidence suggesting a link between the closure of bank accounts belonging to lobbyist Frédéric Baldan and his legal action against the Commission President regarding ‘Pfizergate’. A response from the Council is pending.
Pharmaceuticals & Supply Chain
❗ EU actions to address medicine shortages
In a response published on 11 November 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi outlined the Commission’s actions to combat medicine shortages. He highlighted the 2023 pharmaceutical legislation reform proposal and the 2025 Critical Medicines Act proposal as key initiatives to prevent and mitigate shortages and strengthen the security of supply. The original question (E-003699/25) concerned the growing issue of medicine shortages and its threat to public health.
❗ Health tourism and cross-border access to puberty blockers
Responding on 12 November 2025 to a question from Paolo Inselvini (ECR) and other MEPs, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that the Commission is not aware of UK-based private clinics facilitating access to puberty blockers in the EU for minors to circumvent UK restrictions. He clarified that while Directive 2011/24/EU governs patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare, it only applies within the EU/EEA, and the distribution and administration of medicines remain a Member State responsibility. The question (E-003357/25, published 2 September 2025) raised concerns about this “health tourism”.
❓ Support for cross-border clinical trials combining mRNA vaccines and immunotherapy
Olivier Chastel (Renew) asked on 5 November 2025 (E-004349/2025) if the Commission intends to support a Europe-wide clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of combining mRNA COVID-19 vaccines with immunotherapy for cancer treatment, following a promising study. The question also explores the possibility of accelerated procedures under the Clinical Trials Regulation and through the European Medicines Agency. A response from the Commission is pending.
Tobacco Control & Harm Reduction
❗ Proportionality of the Tobacco Taxation Directive revision
In a response published on 10 November 2025, Commissioner Hoekstra defended the proposed revision of the Tobacco Taxation Directive as compliant with the principle of proportionality. He stated that increasing minimum EU excise duty rates is the single most effective measure to reduce tobacco use, particularly among young people, and contributes to the goals of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. The original question (E-003693/25) queried the proposal’s proportionality.
❓ Commission response to the rise of youth vaping
Nicolás González Casares (S&D) and Leire Pajín (S&D) submitted a question on 16 October 2025 (E-004076/2025) regarding the Commission’s response to the rise in e-cigarette use among young people. They ask what measures the Commission intends to propose to regulate the sale and marketing of these products to protect children and how it is addressing enforcement challenges across Member States. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Commission’s stance on smoke-free alternatives
Kristoffer Storm (ECR) asked on 5 November 2025 (E-004350/2025) whether the Commission acknowledges that smoke-free tobacco and nicotine products contribute to reducing smoking rates and pose less of a health risk than combustible smoking. The question points to evidence from independent authorities and the positive effects observed in Sweden. A response from the Commission is pending.
Disease Prevention & Health Promotion
❗ EU support for preventing degenerative illnesses
In a reply dated 10 November 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi outlined the Commission’s support for Member States in preventing and managing non-communicable diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions. He highlighted the ‘Healthier Together’ initiative and the JADE Health joint action as key frameworks for financial support and collaboration on dementia and other neurological disorders. The original question (E-003561/25) concerned EU actions on degenerative illnesses.
❗ Potential essentiality of lithium as a micronutrient
Responding on 14 November 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that while scientific bodies have not identified lithium as an essential micronutrient, the Commission will consult with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on whether further examination is warranted. He clarified that any new substance for use in food supplements must be positively evaluated for safety and bioavailability by EFSA. The original question (E-003565/25) asked about the role of lithium in cognitive function.
Sexual & Reproductive Health
❓ Response to the ‘My Voice My Choice’ European Citizens’ Initiative
The Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, via Abir Al-Sahlani, submitted an oral question on 5 November 2025 (O-000040/2025) asking how the Commission will respond to the successful European Citizens’ Initiative ‘My Voice My Choice: For safe and accessible abortion’. The question seeks details on the concrete support mechanisms the Commission will propose and how it intends to address the call for EU financial support. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Coherence of the ‘My voice, my choice’ ECI with national sovereignty
Margarita de la Pisa Carrión (PfE) asked the Commission on 5 November 2025 (E-004365/2025) how it justifies considering the ‘My voice, my choice’ initiative, given that public health and sexual and reproductive rights are national competences. The question raises concerns about interference with Member State sovereignty and potential regulatory competition. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Funding of the ‘Abortion Figurations’ research project
A group of MEPs led by Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR) submitted a question on 3 November 2025 (E-004308/2025) regarding the Commission’s funding of the ‘Abortion Figurations’ project. They ask for the justification for funding a project that analyses communication strategies to change abortion laws and how the Commission ensures respect for the principle of subsidiarity. A response from the Commission is pending.
❓ Communication campaign of the ‘My Voice, My Choice’ ECI
Margarita de la Pisa Carrión (PfE) questioned the Commission on 5 November 2025 (E-004364/2025) about the communication strategy of the ‘My Voice, My Choice’ ECI. The question expresses concern over the use of child-focused imagery for a sensitive topic like abortion and asks if this interferes with rules on protecting children or political advertising. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ EU role in training requirements for medical specialists
In a response published on 10 November 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi clarified that the Commission is not responsible for developing or endorsing European training requirements (ETRs) from bodies like the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). He noted that Directive 2005/36/EC provides for automatic recognition of certain qualifications based on minimum training requirements, but Member States decide whether to follow UEMS recommendations in their nationally accredited curricula. The original question (E-003487/25) concerned the Commission’s role in this area.
❗ Application of the Working Time Directive to security and rescue services
Executive Vice-President Mînzatu responded on 12 November 2025 to a question from Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE) about the impact of the Working Time Directive on emergency services. She stated that the directive offers significant flexibility for activities requiring continuity of service and that the Commission’s 2023 Interpretative Communication aims to increase legal certainty for workers in public safety and crisis management. The question (E-003950/25, published 8 October 2025) raised concerns that including on-call duty as working time could weaken crisis-response capacity.
❗ EU support for healthcare access in Greece
In a reply dated 10 November 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi detailed EU financial support for the Greek healthcare system. He noted that Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Plan includes EUR 1.56 billion for healthcare system improvements, particularly in primary care. Additional funding is allocated through the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund Plus to improve infrastructure and accessibility. The original question (E-003615/25) concerned measures to improve equal access to healthcare in Greece.
❓ Deficiencies in access to specialised health services in Greek regions
Elena Kountoura (The Left) submitted a question on 4 November 2025 (E-004340/2025) highlighting serious deficiencies in access to specialised health services in remote and island regions of Greece, citing high rates of unmet medical needs. The question asks how the Commission will ensure the implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan in these areas and what measures it will take to reduce health inequalities. A response from the Commission is pending.
❗ The Global Health Resilience Initiative (GHRI)
In a response published on 14 November 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi confirmed that the Commission is developing the Global Health Resilience Initiative (GHRI) to build upon the European Health Union framework. He stated that the initiative aims to ensure the EU is prepared for future health threats and can respond quickly to avoid social and economic impacts, with further details to be communicated in due course. The original question (E-003557/25) sought information on the GHRI mentioned in the State of the Union speech.
❗ Monitoring and prevention of tropical diseases in Europe
Responding to Leire Pajín (S&D) on 14 November 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi outlined EU actions to monitor and prevent the spread of tropical diseases like dengue and chikungunya. He highlighted the surveillance work of the ECDC, the VectorNet project with EFSA, and significant funding for research and capacity-building through the EU4Health Programme and Horizon Europe. The question (E-003373/25, published 3 September 2025) asked about the EU’s response to the growing threat from vector-borne diseases.
Food & Product Safety
❗ Controls on pesticide-contaminated rice from third countries
In a response published on 12 November 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi assured Paolo Borchia (PfE) that all food products from third countries must comply with EU food safety standards. He explained that Member States are responsible for official controls and that the Commission can adopt measures for increased frequency of checks on high-risk products. The question (E-003427/25, published 4 September 2025) concerned measures to step up controls on rice imports.
❗ Health risks from e-commerce platforms like Temu
Commissioner Šefčovič, in a reply dated 14 November 2025, acknowledged the challenges posed by e-commerce, including risks from dangerous products. He pointed to the proposed Customs Reform package and a new Priority Control Area (PCA) as key measures to strengthen controls on products sold online and shipped to consumers, including tests for hazardous substances. The question from Günther Sidl (S&D) (E-002907/25, published 16 July 2025) asked about future control measures for packages from such platforms.
❗ Enforcement of food hygiene and traceability rules
In a response published on 11 November 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi stated that it is the responsibility of national authorities to investigate individual cases of non-compliance with food safety requirements. He noted that the Commission considers current food hygiene and traceability rules sufficient and that enforcement by Member States is more relevant than imposing additional requirements. The original question (E-003710/25) related to a specific case of food hygiene infringement.
❗ EU food safety controls on fishery products
Commissioner Várhelyi explained on 11 November 2025 that the Commission’s food safety audits are based on risk analysis and strategic priorities, not random selection. He confirmed that verifying Member States’ compliance with legislation for fishery products is an objective of the 2021-2025 plan, with several audits conducted in 2024 and more planned for 2025. The original question (E-003376/25) asked about the randomness of these controls.
❗ Labelling requirements for alcoholic beverages
In a reply dated 13 November 2025, Commissioner Hansen clarified that while most alcoholic beverages are exempt from mandatory ingredient and nutrition declarations, this exemption does not apply to wine. Wine producers can provide this information via electronic means like QR codes, though key information such as energy value and allergens must always be on the physical label. The original question (P-004004/25) concerned the use of QR codes for wine labelling.
Chemicals & Environmental Protection
❗ Implementation of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive
Responding on 11 November 2025, Commissioner Roswall confirmed the Commission’s commitment to the effective implementation of the recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. She announced an updated study on the costs and impacts of the extended producer responsibility (EPR) system, which will focus on quaternary treatment costs and support Member States in developing appropriate EPR schemes. The original question (E-003552/25) concerned the directive’s implementation.
❗ Withdrawal of plant protection products containing PFAS
In a response published on 11 November 2025, Commissioner Várhelyi confirmed that Denmark had informed the Commission of its decision to withdraw authorisations for plant protection products containing certain PFAS active substances due to groundwater contamination risks. He clarified that under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, the power to withdraw authorisations lies with Member States and does not require a socio-economic impact assessment. The original question (E-003396/25) concerned this national decision.
❗ Regulation of rodenticides and wildlife protection
Commissioner Várhelyi, in a reply dated 12 November 2025, explained that rodenticides are strictly regulated under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), with marketing and use subject to strict risk mitigation measures, including potential restriction to trained professionals. He noted that most active substances are candidates for substitution, meaning alternatives are a key consideration for authorisation, and the Commission is not planning additional initiatives. The question from Sebastian Everding (The Left) (E-003399/25, published 3 September 2025) called for tighter restrictions to protect hedgehogs and other wildlife.
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