This Week in Healthcare — Brussels (#24, 2026)
Commission probes Sanofi flu vaccine practices; Parliament committees push for gender equity in health, cardiovascular prevention; CMRD cancer directive nears adoption.
June 21, 2026 to June 27, 2026
Commission probes Sanofi flu vaccine practices; Parliament committees push for gender equity in health, cardiovascular prevention; CMRD cancer directive nears adoption.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Social policy): On June 29, the EU Council's Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Social policy) configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
- Committee on Public Health (SANT): On June 29, the European Parliament's Committee on Public Health (SANT) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Union’s biotechnology and biomanufacturing sectors particularly in the area of health and amending Regulations (EC) No 178/2002, (EC) No 1394/2007, (EU) No 536/2014, (EU) 2019/6, (EU) 2024/795 and (EU) 2024/1938 (European Biotech Act).
European Commission
Commission investigates Sanofi for alleged anticompetitive conduct in flu vaccines for vulnerable patients
On 25 June 2026, the European Commission opened a formal antitrust investigation into Sanofi concerning its communications strategy related to enhanced flu vaccines for at-risk patients. The Commission suspects Sanofi implemented a misleading campaign targeting Fluad, a rival vaccine by CSL Seqirus, suggesting its inferiority to Sanofi's Efluelda product, contradicting recommendations of national health authorities in Germany and France. Commission proceedings cite possible breach of Article 102 of TFEU and have issued a Preliminary Assessment under Regulation 1/2003 (case AT.40998). Sanofi may propose commitments to address the Commission's concerns. The investigation follows unannounced inspections at Sanofi premises in September 2025. No timeline for resolution has been established.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Regulation (EU) 2026/1388 on plants obtained by new genomic techniques enters into force
Regulation (EU) 2026/1388, adopted on 17 June 2026 and published on 26 June 2026 (CELEX: 32026R1388), establishes a new legal framework for plants produced using targeted mutagenesis and cisgenesis. The law sets specific provisions for category 1 and 2 NGT plants, their risk assessments, and transparency via public databases. It also amends Regulation (EU) 2017/625 on official controls. The regulation takes effect from 17 July 2028, with select provisions on guidance, codes of conduct, and patent expert groups applying from July 2026.
Conditions amended for novel food Jatropha curcas L. (edible variety) kernels
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1378, published 24 June 2026, modifies Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470 regarding use conditions and specifications for Jatropha curcas L. (edible variety) kernels as a novel food. The new measure authorises additional kernel forms and higher use levels, and provides data exclusivity for Chuta Nut GmbH for five years from 14 July 2026.
EU Council
Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council to address cyber violence and demographic shifts
On 29 June 2026, the EPSCO (Social Policy) Council will adopt conclusions on cyber violence against girls and will also discuss the interplay between demographic trends and housing policy.
EP Committee Work
SANT public hearing examines digital health, AI, and the future of European healthcare systems
On 24 June 2026, the European Parliament's Committee on Public Health (SANT) conducted a public hearing focused on 'Digital health: Preparing healthcare systems for the future.' The session featured contributions from experts including Maciej Malawski (SANO Centre), Sarada Das (CPME), and Andrea Luca (Galeazzi Sant’Ambrogio Hospital), addressing the potential and challenges of Artificial Intelligence, the European Health Data Space, biotechnology, and advanced medical devices. Discussions covered governance, data protection, interoperability, and system readiness for innovation.
EMPs committee press release on sixth revision of Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic substances Directive (CMRD)
On 24 June 2026, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) published a press release detailing the new exposure limit values for substances such as cobalt compounds, PAHs, 1,4-dioxane, and isoprene under the sixth revision of Directive 2004/37/EC (CMRD). Rapporteur Liesbet Sommen (EPP, BE) noted the inclusion of stricter regulations, improved provisions on personal protective equipment, and reinforced training for health sector workers exposed to hazardous medicinal products. Additional protection for firefighters and SMEs is addressed, and the Parliament is expected to vote on formal adoption during the October II plenary.
FEMM committee pushes for stronger EU action on gender health gap
On 23 June 2026, the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) adopted a draft report calling for mandatory gender-sensitive research and clinical trial design, inclusive of gender-disaggregated data collection in EU projects and a gender perspective in the European Health Data Space. MEP Billy Kelleher (Renew, IE) is rapporteur. The committee also flagged the risks of bias in AI healthcare tools and listed under-researched women’s health conditions. The report will proceed to plenary.
SANT committee advocates stronger cardiovascular disease prevention
On 24 June 2026, the SANT Committee adopted a report urging coordinated prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), referencing EU-level strategies like the 'Safe Hearts Plan.' Rapporteur Romana Jerković (S&D, HR) led the initiative, which includes calls for stronger tobacco, alcohol, and nutrition regulation, the inclusion of new nicotine products under the Tobacco Products Directive, and deployment of CPR training and early detection measures. The report is scheduled for plenary vote in September 2026.
What We're Reading This Week
- EU hits France's Sanofi with flu vaccine antitrust probe: Sanofi faces an EU investigation over alleged anti-competitive practices in the flu vaccine market.
- France detects first Ebola case in doctor returning from DRC: A French doctor who worked in the Democratic Republic of Congo has tested positive for Ebola upon returning to France.
- Heatwave in France causes worrying rise in emergency hospital visits: French hospitals report a surge in emergency cases as soaring temperatures threaten health and strain medical services.
- Video. Prioritise workers' health during heatwaves, says ETUI: ETUI urges employers to implement stronger protections for workers as climate-driven heatwaves pose rising health risks.
- How the latest 'flesh-eating bacteria' outbreaks unfolded: Recent spikes in severe bacterial infections highlight rising public health concerns and the need for improved awareness and prevention measures.
