Risk to patient safety from Oro-facial and Maxillary Surgery (OMFS) training requirements set out by the European Union of Medical Specialists

Question for written answer E-003487/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (Renew), Peter Agius (PPE)

In May 2025 the Commission heard a petition in the Committee on Petitions raising serious concerns about the European training requirements for OMFS as set out by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). The training requirements pose a risk to patient safety by incorporating procedures from the otorhinolaryngology specialty curriculum.

The UEMS, despite being an organisation with no formal role under the Professional Qualifications Directive (2005/36/EC)[1], is shaping specialist training and professional boundaries in the EU.

In its written response the Commission acknowledged that this non-profit organisation, operating without any EU oversight, and under influence from its members outside the EU, is allowed to 'shape the medical landscape between medical specialties in Europe'.

Given the risk that these blurred boundaries could lead to misdiagnosis or surgical mishap by inadequately trained specialists, what measures will the Commission take to protect European consumers and patients from the consequences of unofficial curricula shaping cross-border medical practice?

Submitted: 9.9.2025

• [1] OJ L 255, 30.9.2005, p. 22, ELI: https://http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2005/36/oj.