EU introduces a ‘transparency and authorization’ mechanism for COVID-19 vaccines

The EU has introduced a time-limited ‘transparency and authorization’ mechanism on exports of COVID-19 vaccines covered by the EU’s Advanced Purchase Agreements worth EUR 2.9 Billion, the measure was introduced following questions over AstraZeneca’s distribution of its vaccine, in which the EU has invested EUR 363 Million. 

AstraZeneca announced last week that it would have a shortfall of almost three-quarters of its expected vaccines available to the EU, while fully respecting its commitments in a contract with the UK. The EU has questioned this and with shortfalls in vaccines across the EU took action to protect supplies for vaccines it has ordered. 

“The pandemic is having devastating effects in Europe and all around the world,” said European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, “Protecting the health of our citizens remains our utmost priority, and we must put in place the necessary measures to ensure we achieve this. This transparency and authorization mechanism is temporary, and we will of course continue to uphold our commitments towards low and middle-income countries.”

The mechanism contains a wide range of exemptions to fully honour the EU’s humanitarian aid commitments and protect vaccine deliveries to the EU’s Eastern and Southern neighbourhood, as well as countries in need covered by the COVAX-facility. It is also compliant with WTO commitments. 

The Commissioner for Health Stella Kyriakides said: “For the best part of the last year we worked hard to get Advance Purchase Agreements with vaccine producers to bring vaccines to the citizens, in Europe and beyond. We gave upfront funding to companies to build the necessary manufacturing capacity to produce vaccines, so deliveries can start as soon as they are authorized. We now need transparency on where the vaccines we secured are going and ensure that they reach our citizens. We are accountable towards the European citizens and taxpayers – that is a key principle for us.”

In the face of criticism, the European Commission has defended its move as a reasonable protection of its investment. The EU has been at pains to make clear that it does not want to impose any restrictions, or ‘bans’ but that it can take action if necessary.

Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, said that is was for member states to decide to grant export authorization in accordance with the Commission’s opinion. So far, only Belgium has notified an emergency measure. However, the EU discourages national measures preferring an EU-wide approach. 

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