Debate: EU transparency in the development, purchase and distribution of COVID- vaccines
Date: THURSDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2021
Speaker: Ylva Johansson
Language: EN

We are still in the midst of the pandemic and COVID-19 cases remain high across the European Union. However, on 31 August, we reached a crucial point in our strategy. We fully vaccinated 70% of the adult population and that number is increasing every day. The EU vaccine strategy, which is an excellent example of EU collaboration, provided a foundation for this progress. I want to thank this Parliament for its contributions to that effort over the past year, and I’m delighted to have this opportunity to update you on where we stand.  To date, we have signed 10 contracts, seven advance purchase agreements and three purchase agreements with vaccine manufacturers. Our negotiations are advanced with one additional company. We continue to work intensively with, and for, Member States to ensure a diverse common EU portfolio of vaccines against COVID-19 and therapeutics developed using different technologies.  The Commission fully recognised the importance of transparency in this process. Due to the highly competitive nature of this global market, the Commission cannot unilaterally disclose all the information contained in the contracts. The law protects the commercial interests of the companies. Non-disclosure clauses are a standard feature of purchase agreements. They protect the legitimate interests of the companies, which have made large investment in research and production capacity.  There are also rules that protect the tendering process. Disclosing sensitive business information would weaken the position of the EU in ongoing negotiations, thus undermining the beneficial effects of fair competition and  the effectiveness of the single procurement process which has allowed reaching the best conditions for Member States and citizens. But that being said, we have carefully listened to your calls for more transparency and worked with the companies to increase the information that is accessible. Until now, we have published nine redacted purchase agreements for COVID-19 vaccines.  I want to take this opportunity to highlight some crucial points. Safety is a fundamental requirement for any vaccine to be deployed in the EU. The safety of citizens is our top priority, and this is non-negotiable. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published on its website all trial data of COVID-19-related vaccines and therapeutics that are part of marketing authorisation.  The agreements with vaccine developers do not change or derogate from the EU legislation and rules on liability. We are acting in full compliance with all applicable rules regarding financial management.  The EU vaccine strategy is still being implemented, with new contracts being negotiated and signed. However, further down the line, when we will have a broader perspective, we will conduct an in-depth review and conclude on lessons learned from the strategy.  Honourable Members, I want to conclude with a crucial point. I’m a firm believer of transparency. Transparency creates trust, and trust is key when it comes to vaccines. During this process, the Commission has listened to you, Parliament, and had regular exchanges to keep Parliament fully informed. You have set up, within this House, a contact group where multiple Commissioners have discussed with Members on a weekly basis all aspects of the vaccine strategy and roll-out. This is of course on top of the numerous exchange in the plenary chamber and competent committees where vaccination against COVID-19 has been debated.  Let me reassure you that we will continue this open dialogue, and in addition, I will send a personal message from Stella Kyriakides to all of you. Thank you for your engagement and all your support.