This Week in Healthcare — Brussels (#21, 2026)
Commission refers France to Court over vet sector restrictions; new rules on antimicrobials in food imports; Parliament committees adopt health workforce crisis report; Council ministers review Ebola outbreak.
May 31, 2026 to June 06, 2026
Commission refers France to Court over vet sector restrictions; new rules on antimicrobials in food imports; Parliament committees adopt health workforce crisis report; Council ministers review Ebola outbreak.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission refers France to the Court of Justice for restrictions in the veterinary sector
The European Commission decided on 3 June 2026 to refer France to the Court of Justice of the European Union due to national rules governing veterinary companies and veterinarians, considered by the Commission to be non-compliant with freedom of establishment and the free movement of services under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Directive 2006/123/EC (Services Directive). French legislation requires the majority of shares in veterinary companies to be held by practicing veterinarians and mandates their presence in each establishment at least part-time. These provisions restrict cross-border provision of veterinary services and operational models. France received a letter of formal notice in April 2024 and a reasoned opinion in June 2025. As improvements were not forthcoming, the case is now being brought before the Court pursuant to Article 258 TFEU.
Commission issues roadmap to phase out animal testing in chemical safety assessments
On 31 May 2026, the European Commission announced a roadmap for gradually replacing animal testing in chemical safety assessments across 15 domains, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and food additives. The plan is tied to implementation of REACH and the Chemicals Action Plan of July 2025, with 22 actions structured around phasing out animal testing, fostering research on alternatives such as AI-enabled methods, and building international cooperation. The first progress conference is scheduled for 2029. The roadmap emerged in response to the European Citizens’ Initiative Save Cruelty-Free Cosmetics.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1189 on antimicrobial medicinal products and food imports
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1189, adopted 4 June 2026 (CELEX: 32026R1189), amends Regulation (EU) 2021/405 on the restrictions for certain antimicrobial medicinal products in animals/products of animal origin imported into the EU. The measure integrates into one act the list of third countries permitted for import under these conditions, repealing Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2598. The updated lists define countries' eligibility and compliance deadlines, with Article 1 entering into force 3 September 2026.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1185 authorises placing on the market of GM soybean MON 94637
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1185 of 2 June 2026 (CELEX: 32026D1185) authorises the marketing of foods, feed, and other products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified soybean MON 94637 under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003. The authorisation, valid for 10 years, excludes cultivation and mandates labelling, annual monitoring reports, and adherence to traceability rules. Bayer CropScience LLC is the authorisation holder.
EU Council
Health ministers convene on Ebola outbreak in Central Africa
On 5 June 2026, EU health ministers held an informal video conference under the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council to exchange information on the recent Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.
EP Committee Work
EMPL and SANT committees adopt report on EU healthcare workforce crisis
On 3 June 2026, the Committees on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) and Public Health (SANT) jointly adopted a report concerning the sustainability of EU healthcare systems and workforce shortages, by 85 votes in favour, three against, and two abstentions. The report addresses staff deficits, mental health, working conditions, and digital skills, and will be tabled for plenary in July. Rapporteurs are Loucas Fourlas (EPP, CY) for EMPL and Ruggero Razza (ECR, IT) for SANT.
SANT committee holds hearing on building health resilience and preparedness
The Committee on Public Health (SANT) organised a public hearing on 3 June 2026 titled 'Building health resilience and ensuring preparedness of Public Health Systems.' The session reviewed lessons from recent health crises, focusing on preparedness for cross-border emergencies, supply chain challenges for medicines and devices, and coordination with the World Health Organization.
Draft ENVI opinion on the European Biotech Act focuses on health applications
The Committee on Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) released its draft opinion on 2 June 2026, with Nicolás González Casares (S&D) as rapporteur, concerning the proposed European Biotech Act. The draft reviews measures to strengthen the EU's biotechnology and biomanufacturing sectors, particularly in health, and suggests amendments covering clinical trials, medicinal products, and safety regulations.
What We're Reading This Week
- Video. Could a blood test spot Alzheimer’s risk even before symptoms begin?: Researchers investigate whether a new blood test can detect Alzheimer’s risk in people before clinical symptoms appear.
- Video. Health body fast-tracks three Ebola vaccines as virus continues spread: Global health authorities accelerate approval of three Ebola vaccines amid growing concerns over the virus's expanding outbreak.
- Video. Waiting times for healthcare in Europe: The worst countries ranked: Several European countries face significant challenges with long healthcare waiting times, impacting patient outcomes and satisfaction.
- From approval to access: Europe’s next health imperative: Streamlining patient access to newly approved therapies is emerging as a critical challenge for Europe's healthcare systems.
