Coronavirus: a timeline of EU action in 2021
Check out our timeline to find out how the EU is tackling the impact of the coronavirus pandemic in 2021.
Discover what action the EU is taking in 2021 for the roll-out of vaccines and treatment, to boost the economy, employment, society, travel and transport and to help its partners worldwide to fight Covid-19.
You can also check out our 2020 coronavirus timeline.
Covid-19 timeline 2021
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Follow the events of 2021
MEPs call for urgent measures to ramp up vaccine production
MEPs call for urgent measures to ramp up vaccine production
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The EU must continue its concerted efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic and take urgent measures to ramp up vaccine production, MEPs say in a plenary debate.
Recovery and Resilience Facility adopted
Recovery and Resilience Facility adopted
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Parliament adopts the €672.5 billion Recovery and Resilience Facility, the flagship programme in the Covid-19 recovery plan, to support EU countries in mitigating the economic and social consequences of the pandemic and prepare EU economies for a sustainable, digital future.
Relief measures for aviation
Relief measures for aviation
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Parliament adopts an agreement with member states allowing airlines to use at least 50% of their planned take-off and landing slots for the 2021 summer and winter seasons, instead of the 80% required before the pandemic.
The "use it or lose it" rule had already been temporarily suspended in March 2020 to avoid airlines operating empty flights.
Transparency about vaccine supplies
Transparency about vaccine supplies
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Parliament’s public health committee asks for transparent data on the number of vaccine doses supplied a for each country as well as the vaccination schedule on a monthly basis, to avoid disinformation.
Mechanism for exports of Covid-19 vaccines
Mechanism for exports of Covid-19 vaccines
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Companies that have concluded Advance Purchased Agreements with the EU have to notify member state authorities about any plans to export vaccines produced in the EU.
AstraZeneca vaccine authorised
AstraZeneca vaccine authorised
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A Covid-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca is granted a conditional marketing authorisation. It is the third vaccine authorised, following a positive scientific recommendation by the European Medicines Agency.
Guidelines on proof of vaccination
Guidelines on proof of vaccination
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EU countries adopt guidelines on proof of vaccination that could be used if they decide to deploy vaccination certificates in order to make them interoperable.
Flexibility under state aid rules
Flexibility under state aid rules
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The European Commission adopts temporary measures allowing EU countries to provide grants, loans and safeguards to companies to help support the economy during the crisis.
Aid for those in need
Aid for those in need
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Parliament adopts an agreement to make additional resources available in 2021 and 2022 to provide food and basic assistance to the most deprived.
Call for more solidarity and transparency
Call for more solidarity and transparency
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MEPs call for more unity and clarity during a debate on the roll-out of vaccines and the EU's vaccines strategy.
Up to 300 million additional doses of BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine
Up to 300 million additional doses of BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine
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EU member states can purchase an additional 200 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine produced by BioNTech and Pfizer, with the option to acquire another 100 million doses.
Moderna vaccine authorised
Moderna vaccine authorised
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A Covid-19 vaccine developed by Moderna is granted a conditional market authorisation in the EU. It is the second vaccine authorised, following a positive scientific recommendation by the European Medicines Agency.