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EU vaccine row ‘could affect third wave of covid’, says expert
Speaking today, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed concern about measures used to ensure vaccine supplies reach member states first, before leaving the EU. At an online event, she said: “While we understand the politics of what they are doing, I have openly said that I am disappointed, particularly with the fact that they extended it from March.” I’m actively talking to them about how we can make sure this restriction can be resolved. “
On March 11, the Commission expanded the transparency and authorization mechanism for the export of vaccines.
What it did was force vaccine suppliers that have a prior agreement in force to deliver to EU member states up to the number of vaccines included in the contract.
A coronavirus vaccine must also receive approval before leaving the block for delivery to a non-EU state.
Initially implemented on January 30, the extension means that the measures will now last until June of this year.
The EU has been scolded for its vaccination tactic (Image: GETTY)
The EU was criticized by the head of the WTO. (Image: GETTY)
Despite international leaders claiming that the fight against coronavirus is an international battle, Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said that the measures taken will make companies fulfill their obligation to the EU.
Announcing the measures earlier this month, Ms Kyriakides said: “We hope that the companies with which we have signed a contract will fulfill their obligations to the citizens of the EU.”
“The EU exports very large volumes of COVID-19 vaccines, true to our commitment to global solidarity.
“However, not all companies are complying with their agreements with the EU despite having received an initial payment to allow sufficient production.
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The EU has threatened to block vaccine exports (Image: GETTY)
“We will insist that compliance is ensured and we will continue to work with companies to increase production in Europe as quickly as possible.”
Despite signing agreements for six vaccines, the EU has come under severe scrutiny for its threats to block exports.
In fact, the mechanism was initially introduced after the EU threatened to invoke Article 16 of the Brexit deal to stop vaccine exports before rescinating the threat.
The EU reiterated this threat once again amid its dispute with AstraZeneca over its own vaccine.
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The EU has struggled with its vaccine program (Image: GETTY)
EU news: vaccine exports may be blocked to the UK (Image: GETTY)
EU leaders will hold a summit on Thursday to discuss measures on vaccine exports, something that Ursula von der Leyen has indicated is within the bloc’s rights.
Ms Von der Leyen said: “We have the option to prohibit a planned export.
“That’s the message for AstraZeneca: first fulfill its contract with Europe before starting to supply other countries.”
His claims, however, have not been supported by some EU leaders and even Angela Merkel now claims that the EU should not block vaccine exports.
After a call with Boris Johnson, Ms Merkel said: “When it comes to vaccine production, there is a wide variety of international interdependencies.
“You have to be very careful now about imposing blanket export bans – you have to watch supply chains very closely.
“We will make our decision responsibly and at the same time continue to speak to the British government.”
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin also claimed that any blockage on vaccine exports would be detrimental to the EU.
EU News: Angela Merkel Was Against Vaccine Ban (Image: GETTY)
He told RTE radio: “Once you start putting up barriers, other people start putting up barriers globally.
“We would all lose in that situation, despite the frustrations with AstraZeneca.
“I am very against it. It would be a very retrograde step.”
“It is absolutely vital that we keep supply chains open.”
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