What European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described as ‘Europe’s moment’ in December, referring to COVID-19 vaccine deals, could very well go down as ‘Europe’s mess’ in January.
EU officials know that a lot is at stake if they don’t resolve the growing vaccine problem.
First, the EU was not able to support its near neighbourhood and potential future members in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership in its efforts to obtain affordable and fair access to the COVID-19 vaccines.
Instead, these countries are now turning to Russia and China, who have promptly offered their own vaccines.
The implementation of the 12 free trade agreements signed off by the EU would increase the value of imports beef into the block by up to 26pc, a new EU analysis has found.
BERLIN
Spahn considering changes to Germany’s vaccination plan. German Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU) is weighing possible changes to the country’s vaccination schedule after media reports stated that the vaccine from AstraZeneca – set to be approved by the European Medical Agency (EMA) this week – was only 8% effective for those over 65 – a claim the company, as well as German health authorities, have denied. Read more.
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EU PRESIDENCY
EU must not lose ‘momentum’ for dialogue offered by Biden, Portugal says. Portugal’s Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva told EU lawmakers on Tuesday (26 January) that the bloc should not lose the new momentum offered by Joe Biden’s administration to relaunch dialogue with the United States. More.
Portugal's Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva told EU lawmakers on Tuesday (26 January) that the bloc should not lose the new momentum offered by Joe Biden's administration to relaunch dialogue with the United States.