Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi and DG HERA Director-General Florika Fink-Hooijer faced a divided European Parliament committee on 6 May 2026 during a structured dialogue on health emergency preparedness and medical countermeasures financing. Várhelyi defended the Critical Medicines Act as a response to market failure, while MEPs from across the political spectrum pressed him on budget autonomy, prevention strategy, and regulatory balance.
Tomislav Sokol (EPP) and Ruggero Razza (ECR) welcomed the Critical Medicines Act and the medical devices revision, but Sokol questioned whether the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive could exacerbate medicine shortages. Várhelyi acknowledged implementation risks but insisted the Act was necessary to correct market failures. On prevention, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis (S&D) urged a comprehensive non-communicable disease (NCD) strategy; Várhelyi favoured a sectoral approach building on the Cancer Plan and Safe Hearts initiative. Martin Häusling (Greens/EFA) pressed on antimicrobial resistance; Várhelyi cited existing bans and reduction targets.
Deregulation vs. safety emerged as a cleavage. Margarita de la Pisa Carrión (PfE) questioned whether supplementary protection certificates would hinder generics; Várhelyi argued for balancing innovation with Bolar exemptions. Ignazio Roberto Marino (Greens/EFA) and Catarina Martins (The Left) pushed for device safety and affordability; Várhelyi rejected claims of deregulation.
Budget debates split groups sharply. Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu (Renew) and Martins demanded a dedicated health budget, while Várhelyi stressed collegial MFF limits. Christophe Clergeau (S&D) sought €4 billion for preparedness and NGO operating support, which Várhelyi resisted, citing EU4Health constraints. Fink-Hooijer defended a multi-instrument model (UCPM-HERA, ECF, Horizon Europe) but acknowledged calls for clearer budget allocation.
Mental health and tobacco controls saw Andriukaitis and Marino calling for a binding strategy; Várhelyi pointed to the 2023 strategy. On tobacco, Jessica Polfjärd (EPP) asked about nicotine pouches; Várhelyi said the review would treat novel products similarly to classic tobacco. National competence vs. EU action was highlighted by Gerald Hauser (PfE) on workforce shortages; Várhelyi reiterated treaty limits.
Consensus existed on ageing, chronic disease, prevention, shortages, and the need for MFF health funding. Adam Jarubas (EPP) closed by praising the exchange and announcing the next session for 3-4 June.