Commission action on EASA diabetes recommendations for aviation medical rules

Question for written answer E-001680/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Thomas Bajada (S&D)

In September 2025, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published the final report of its three-year diabetes project. The report recommends updating the implementing rules, acceptable means of compliance and guidance material. It also proposes considering certification pathways for pilots and air traffic controllers using insulin or other glucose-lowering medication with a low risk of hypoglycaemia, subject to individual assessment and appropriate operational limitations.

Nevertheless, Union rules still automatically treat applicants requiring insulin as unfit. For many young Europeans living with diabetes, this means that years of ambition, training and preparation continue to be blocked by an outdated framework, even as comparable systems outside the EU have already introduced safeguarded pathways back into aviation. For some, this sends a clear message that the only way to pursue the career they have worked towards is to leave Europe.

• 1.What steps has the Commission taken since the report's publication and when will it bring forward the necessary amendments to Union aircrew medical rules?
• 2.Does the Commission intend to replace this blanket exclusion with a strict, evidence-based certification framework?
• 3.Will the Commission assess the barriers currently pushing young Europeans with diabetes to look outside the EU to pursue aviation careers?

Submitted: 23.4.2026