Impact of the escalation of the war in the Middle East on the supply chains of medical products

Priority question for written answer P-001187/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Friedrich Pürner (NI)

The escalation of the war in the Middle East has triggered a crisis that goes beyond the energy markets. It has led to the disruption of global air cargo routes, thereby affecting the transport of medical products. The limited alternative routes, high import dependency and concentration of pharmaceutical production are further complicating procurement, driving up prices and thus have an impact on public health. In the interests of democratic accountability, transparency and equal access to vital medicines, I would like to ask the following questions:

• 1.Can the Commission provide detailed and up-to-date information on shortages of medical products and price developments in the Member States and at EU level?
• 2.Can the Commission provide detailed information on the stocks of medical products stored and procured under HERA[1], including their origin and the contractual framework for their purchase?
• 3.What immediate and preventive measures are being taken, in cooperation with the Member States, to ensure security of supply, prevent price increases and address potential distortions in the internal market, including, where appropriate, the use of jointly procured and stored medical products to control prices and ensure access to affordable medicines?

Submitted: 23.3.2026

• [1] The procurement and stockpiling of medical countermeasures (MCMs) is a key area within the mandate of the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA).