Sharing COVID-19 vaccines

2.12.2020

Question for written answer  E-006551/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Margrete Auken (Verts/ALE)

According to Israeli media reports[1], Germany made a commitment to share with Israel any COVID-19 vaccine created in Europe, such as the AstraZeneca vaccine, as soon as it is provided to EU countries. The media reports claimed Germany’s decision runs counter to the EU Strategy for COVID-19 Vaccines (COM 2020/245), according to which the vaccine would be provided to EU countries first.

• 1.Can the Commission confirm whether the above information and claims are correct or false?
• 2.If re-directing the allocated doses to third countries is allowed, and it is left to each Member State to decide on this, how will the Commission ensure that vaccines are distributed in a way that respects equal rights, and does not run counter to the EU’s own policy?
• 3.In particular, will the same terms be offered to Palestinians under Israeli occupation given the one state reality on the ground, and given that Israeli settlers living in the same occupied territory will undoubtedly benefit from the vaccine deal?

• [1] YNet: Germany pledges to share any virus vaccine with Israel, 12 October 2020 (https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ry2DUcbPw).