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There is a contract for the delivery of the vaccine with Biontech and Pfizer – safe access to the vaccine – strengthen the European location
Vienna (OTS / ÖVP-PK) – “If the announcements from Biontech and Pfizer come true and there really is an effective vaccine against COVID-19 this year, then that would be a breakthrough and a prerequisite for getting back to normal,” says Alexander Bernhuber, ÖVP health spokesman in the EU. Parliament, on the outcome of the negotiations between the EU Commission and Biontech and Pfizer. Once the contract is concluded, this will be the EU’s fourth contract with pharmaceutical companies and talks will be held with three more. “The advertised effectiveness of the 90 percent vaccine is very high, now it is important to ensure that the vaccine is also safe. In addition to rapid supply contracts, the EU must ensure that all EU citizens have access to the vaccine. “says Bernhuber. .
The MEP criticizes the communication of the negotiations: “The Commission should have proactively published more information on the pre-purchase agreements for COVID-19 vaccines”, says Bernhuber. “There is a lack of transparency here and with an issue so important that it is not acceptable. Especially when it comes to a product as valuable as the vaccine, we will monitor the Commission even more.”
Bernhuber also reports that the new vaccine is a product of European medical research and is largely manufactured in Europe. As a bidding criterion for the joint purchase through the EU Commission, it suggests priority for the COVID-19 vaccine, which is also produced in Europe.
“Wherever European tax money is used, European production must also be promoted. This applies not only to this vaccine, but also to medicines and medical products, the production of which we have to bring back to Europe. This is the only way we can reduce our dependence on manufacturers in Asia, “says Bernhuber, noting that 40 percent of medicines sold in the EU come from China and India and 80 percent of active pharmaceutical ingredients come from Asia .
“The COVID-19 crisis has revealed gaps here. It is clear that our own production generates more security. This applies both to the disinfectant that is manufactured in the pharmacy and to the vaccine that is produced within the Union. Independent European healthcare should be the declared common goal of the European Union to be better prepared for health crises of all kinds, “Bernhuber tells the EU Commission.
“The pandemic has shown a loss of sovereignty in many health-related areas. The Commission is already drawing lessons in many areas. With the EU-4Health program, the EU will make a significant contribution to strengthening national health systems.” Bernhuber concludes. (Enough)
Queries and contact:
Dipl.-Ing. Alexander Bernhuber MEP, + 32-2-28-45180
alexander.bernhuber@ep.europa.eu
Wolfgang Tucek, EVP Press Service, Tel .: + 32-484-121431
wolfgang.tucek@ep.europa.eu
