Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, in a written answer on 15 June 2026, defended the Commission's position that EU funds may support access to safe abortion services, stressing that such funding is voluntary and must comply with national legislation. The answer responds to a question from Slovak MEP Erik Kaliňák (NI), who challenged the legality of using the European Social Fund+ (ESF+) for abortions, arguing it violates subsidiarity and national sovereignty over bioethical issues.
Mînzatu clarified that the Commission's follow-up to the European Citizens' Initiative 'My Voice, My Choice' falls within the EU's supportive competence. She cited Article 4(1)(k) of the ESF+ Regulation, which aims to enhance equal access to quality, sustainable, and affordable healthcare services. The answer also references case law from the Court of Justice of the EU, including the Grogan judgment (C-159/90), which established that legal medical termination of pregnancy constitutes a service under EU internal market law. However, Mînzatu emphasised that any use of ESF+ funds must respect Article 168(7) TFEU, which leaves the definition of health policy and the organisation of healthcare to Member States. The Commission's position is that financial support may be provided on a voluntary basis, and only for services that are legal under national law.
The answer does not introduce new policy or numerical targets but reaffirms existing legal interpretations and the voluntary nature of the funding. It signals that the Commission will not impose a uniform EU standard on abortion access, but will continue to support initiatives that improve equal access to legally available healthcare services, including safe abortion, within the limits set by the Treaties. No immediate institutional follow-up is announced, but the Commission's consistent replies to similar questions suggest a settled position that is likely to remain unchanged unless challenged by a Member State or the Court of Justice.
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