This Week in Healthcare — Brussels (#12, 2026)
Commission tobacco framework evaluation; new biocidal authorisation; Horizon Europe opinions; avian influenza emergency measures; critical medicines negotiations; GM maize authorisation revoked.
March 29, 2026 to April 04, 2026
Commission tobacco framework evaluation; new biocidal authorisation; Horizon Europe opinions; avian influenza emergency measures; critical medicines negotiations; GM maize authorisation revoked.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission evaluates EU tobacco control rules, signals revision for novel nicotine products
The European Commission published its evaluation of the EU tobacco control framework on 1 April 2026, reviewing the effectiveness of the Tobacco Products Directive (2014/40/EU) and Tobacco Advertising Directive (2003/33/EC). The report notes significant declines in smoking rates and tobacco-related deaths since 2012, with harmonised rules improving the internal market. However, the Commission identifies continued risks from traditional tobacco, as well as new challenges posed by e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, particularly among young people. The evaluation points to covert digital promotion as a persistent issue. Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi stated that a revision of the legislative framework will be proposed later in 2026 as part of the Safe Hearts Plan. The Commission will conduct an impact assessment and broad consultation before presenting new policy actions.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Union authorisation granted for ECA Disinfect skin Product family 7
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/750 of 31 March 2026 grants Union authorisation to ECA consortium A/S for the biocidal product family 'ECA Disinfect skin Product family 7' under Regulation (EU) No 528/2012. The authorisation, valid from 21 April 2026 to 31 March 2036, covers only 'Hand disinfection non-medical application' for product-type 1, following the European Chemicals Agency's (ECHA) opinion (ECHA/BPC/476/2025). Other uses applied for were not recommended for authorisation.
Coordinated Union control programme for pesticide residues in food set for 2027-2029
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/748 of 31 March 2026 establishes the multiannual Union control programme for 2027-2029 to ensure compliance with maximum residue levels (MRLs) of pesticides and assess consumer exposure. The Regulation details sampling procedures and reporting requirements, replacing Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/854. Member States must submit analytical results to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) by 31 August each year.
Authorisation for GM maize MON 87419 revoked
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/739 of 27 March 2026 revokes the authorisation for placing on the market products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified maize MON 87419 and repeals Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2134. The decision follows a request from Bayer Agriculture BV, which indicated the product was never commercialised.
MRLs for cyflufenamid, fenazaquin, and nicotine amended in food products
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/742 of 30 March 2026 amends Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, updating maximum residue levels for cyflufenamid in parsley and berries, fenazaquin in peppers, tomatoes, aubergines, and maintains a temporary MRL for nicotine in tea at 0.5 mg/kg until 2030. EFSA opinions informed the changes.
Correction to MRLs for flupyradifurone and potassium phosphonate
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/751 of 31 March 2026 corrects Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, addressing clerical errors in the application dates for MRLs of flupyradifurone and potassium phosphonate in various food products, superseding previous regulations.
Emergency measures updated for avian influenza outbreaks
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/783 of 27 March 2026 amends the Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2447, updating protection and surveillance zones following new highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in Czechia, the Netherlands, and Poland. Duration of restrictions for some German, Polish, and UK-Northern Ireland outbreaks is extended.
Revocation of authorisation for GM maize MON 87403
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/738 of 27 March 2026 revokes the authorisation for products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified maize MON 87403, and repeals Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/1307. Bayer Agriculture BV requested revocation, citing absence of cultivation or commercialisation.
Sampling and transitional provisions amended for pharmacologically active substances in food-producing animals
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/731 of 27 March 2026 amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/808, extending the transitional period for analytical methods validation to 31 December 2027. Sampling provisions for feed and ostrich eggs are clarified, aligning with Regulation (EC) No 152/2009.
New MRLs for basic substances added to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/752 of 31 March 2026 amends Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, adding Allium fistulosum, processed; lysate of Willaertia magna; magnesium hydroxide E528; Onobrychis viciifolia dried pellets; and Vitis vinifera L. seed extract. No MRLs required due to low risk, following EFSA conclusions.
EP Committee Work
Budgetary Control Committee issues opinion on Horizon Europe 2028-2034 regulation
The Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) adopted its opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing Horizon Europe, the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation for 2028-2034 (COM(2025)0543). Rapporteur Olivier Chastel outlined amendments related to transparency, performance indicators, and financial accountability, including provisions for audit, conflict-of-interest management, and independent evaluations. The opinion was forwarded to the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) for consideration.
Culture and Education Committee opinion on Horizon Europe regulation
The Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) issued its opinion on the Horizon Europe regulation for 2028-2034, rapporteur Laurence Farreng. The opinion addresses aspects of participation and dissemination, focusing on strengthening links between research, education, and innovation, and promoting cultural and educational dimensions within the programme.
Public Health Committee concludes visit to Poland on pharmaceutical legislation and medicine security
MEPs from the Public Health Committee (SANT), led by Adam Jarubas, completed an official mission to Poland. Discussions with Polish officials and industry focused on implementation of the pharmaceutical package, critical medicines, and supply chain security. The Committee is engaged with the Cypriot Presidency in final negotiations on the Critical Medicines Act, aiming to reinforce medicine availability and diversify supply chains in the EU.
What We're Reading This Week
- Healthcare, Europe 'snatches' Italian nurses before they graduate. And in Italy there is a shortage: Italian nursing students are being recruited abroad before graduation, worsening the domestic shortage of healthcare professionals.
- Richard Hatchett, epidemiologist: ‘The risk of a pandemic is greater today than it was in 2019’: Global pandemic threats have intensified since 2019, warns epidemiologist Richard Hatchett, highlighting urgent need for preparedness.
