The geopolitical implications of vaccine diplomacy of other countries

13.1.2021

Question for written answer  E-000190/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Hilde Vautmans (Renew)

The EU should not underestimate the long-term geopolitical implications of vaccine diplomacy of countries such as China and Russia. Vaccine diplomacy is a powerful tool that countries use to expand their soft power throughout the world. While the EU has openly rejected vaccine nationalism and has contributed to global initiatives, such as the COVID-19 vaccines global access (COVAX) facility, most of the vaccines developed in the EU and the US are currently distributed in the EU and the US. At the same time, Russia and China are actively campaigning to distribute their vaccine in other parts of the world.

While it is in the interest of the EU to ensure fair and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines around the world, the absence of a united EU strategy gives other countries the opportunity to have more influence globally and to shape their image as a benevolent power.

• 1.What is the Commission’s strategy for ensuring the equitable distribution of vaccines around the world, including those developed in the EU?
• 2.How does it plan to respond effectively to the assertive vaccine diplomacy of other countries?
• 3.How will it ensure that the EU’s support for COVAX is sufficiently visible in other countries?