Written question – Allowing midwives to obtain nursing qualifications in the same way that Directive 2005/36/EC allows nurses to retrain as midwives – P-002491/2025

Priority question for written answer  P-002491/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Adam Jarubas (PPE)

In accordance with Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications, it is currently possible to obtain professional midwifery qualifications through nursing, with an undergraduate or Master’s-level degree in nursing and after undergoing at least 18 months of midwifery training. However, nurses and midwives report that there are no similar legal standards allowing nursing qualifications to be gained through midwifery.

• 1.Given the current healthcare staffing crisis, as recognised by Parliament’s Committee on Public Health and Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and affecting practically every Member State to different degrees, will the Commission consider revising Directive 2005/36/EC, also in light of the demographic crisis that is seeing falling birth rates and an aging population, resulting in increased demand for nursing care?
• 2.More specifically, is the Commission considering changes that would allow midwives to obtain nursing qualifications recognised across the EU, after completing an appropriate nursing course of at least 18 months, in the same way that nurses are currently able to obtain midwifery qualifications?

Submitted: 20.6.2025