This report summarises key Parliamentary Questions (PQs) submitted during the June – July 2025 period. The inquiries cover a diverse range of policy areas, with significant focus on public health and security, including women’s health and gain-of-function research; agriculture and environmental policy, with questions on the future of the CAP and water management; foreign affairs and humanitarian aid, particularly concerning the situation in Gaza; and trade and industry, addressing unfair competition in the footwear sector. A total of 8 questions are covered in this report, all of which have received a response from the European Commission.
âť— Commission Clarifies Stance on Gain-of-Function Research
In PQ E-002369/25, Gerald Hauser (PfE) on 12 June 2025 asked the Commission to detail its support for gain-of-function research since 2015, outline measures to prevent the release of biological weapons, and state whether it intends to ban such research. Responding on 29 September 2025, Commissioner Zaharieva explained that this research is vital for understanding diseases and developing treatments, and that its risks must be carefully managed. She confirmed that support is possible under EU research programmes subject to strict ethical and security checks, citing a Horizon 2020 project on the influenza virus. Zaharieva affirmed the Commission’s commitment to preventing the import of biological weapons through mechanisms like the Customs Crisis Management function, but gave no indication of a future ban on the research itself.
âť— Concerns over Women’s Health and Endometriosis Funding in Cyprus
Michalis Hadjipantela (PPE) submitted PQ E-002864/25 on 14 July 2025, questioning the Commission about specific EU funding for women’s health and fertility in Cyprus, with a particular focus on endometriosis research and treatment. He highlighted significant barriers to diagnosis and limited public health data in the country. In a response on 29 September 2025, Commissioner Lahbib stated that while no specific funding is allocated solely to women’s health, Cyprus will receive EUR 5 million from cohesion policy and around EUR 100 million from the Recovery and Resilience Facility to strengthen its overall health system. She added that Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe have dedicated EUR 47 million to 15 projects on endometriosis research and that the Commission is mainstreaming gender into its health policy via the ‘Healthier Together’ initiative.
âť— Commission Defends Humanitarian Safeguards in EU Sanctions Policy
In a response on 1 October 2025 to PQ E-003081/25, which concerned the public health and socio-economic impacts of EU sanctions, Commissioner Albuquerque outlined the EU’s approach. She described sanctions as a peaceful measure of last resort, fully compliant with international law and part of a broader policy approach. Albuquerque stressed that EU sanctions are designed to minimize negative impacts on civilians and never target food, medicine, or humanitarian aid. The Commission actively monitors the broader implications of its sanctions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and includes specific derogations and exemptions to facilitate humanitarian efforts and ensure public health is not negatively affected.
âť— Commission Outlines Support for Animal Health and Local Slaughterhouses
In a reply on 3 October 2025 to PQ E-002876/25, Commissioner Várhelyi detailed the EU’s framework for animal health and welfare, indicating the question concerned preparedness for disease outbreaks and support for local slaughtering facilities. Várhelyi confirmed that EU rules mandate Member States to have contingency plans for disease outbreaks, including access to emergency funds. He also noted that animal welfare legislation requires that animals are spared avoidable suffering during killing. Furthermore, he stated that the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy could potentially provide support for setting up local slaughterhouses through national and regional partnership plans.
âť— Greek Irrigation Projects Fall Under Member State Responsibility
Yannis Maniatis (S&D) asked in PQ E-003139/25 on 30 July 2025 about the implementation status of several EU-funded irrigation projects in the Argolis region of Greece, aimed at tackling severe water scarcity. In his response on 2 October 2025, Commissioner Hansen clarified that since the projects are supported by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), their approval and implementation fall under the shared management of the Member State. Therefore, the Commission does not hold information on individual applications. Hansen added that the Commission is currently assessing Greece’s River Basin Management Plans and will engage in a dialogue to enhance the implementation of water legislation, with results of the assessment expected by the end of 2025.
