Vaccines, tomorrow the EU adopts a new tightening on exports

2021-03-23T22:32:39.986Z

The European Commission will tomorrow adopt a tightening of export controls for anti-Covid vaccines produced in the EU. This is a measure which should affect AstraZeneca and which is fueling tensions with the UK. So far not all Twenty-seven embrace the idea of ​​further tightening exports. In particular, there is the fear that the move could then damage the supply chain, consequently affecting the Member States as well. The European executive "will adopt a revision of the transparency and authorization mechanism for exports", announced the spokesman of the Commission, Eric Mamer, without providing further details. The decision, which falls within the Commission's remit, aims to increase the EU vaccine supply and will be on the table at the EU video summit scheduled for Thursday. The Commission intends to tighten the conditions for the export of doses to countries producing anti-Covid vaccines - a measure aimed at the United Kingdom - but also to those whose populations are already widely vaccinated. According to the principles of reciprocity and proportionality. "We have seen some apprehension from Member States wondering if Europe will get its fair share of vaccines" because "so far 70 million doses have been delivered to 27 Member States and 41.5 million have been exported to 33 countries. "explained the vice president of the European Commission, Maros Sefcovic. "We want our fair share of vaccines", underlined the commissioner, "and for this we ask partner countries for proportionality and reciprocity". "What we want is to have a frank and open discussion and invite the partner countries of the European Union to do what we do" and then export doses to the EU.