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.
Vaccination certificates to be valid for nine months
Vaccination certificates for the EU's digital Covid certificate will be valid for nine months for travels within EU, decides the European Commission. The decision is based on the recommendation of having a booster dose at the latest six months after the first vaccination cycle and it provides for a grace period of three extra months. The new rules start to apply from 1 February 2022.
The Covid-19 vaccine Nuvaxovid developed by the company Novavax is granted a conditional market authorisation in the EU. It is the fifth vaccine authorised, following a positive scientific recommendation by the European Medicines Agency.
The European Commission agrees with vaccine maker Moderna faster delivery of vaccines to EU countries that have a short-term need. The Commission is also working on an agreement for further acceleration of deliveries for the first quarter of 2022.
MEPs urge EU countries to pursue vaccination of population
MEPs insisted that vaccination remains the strongest and most promising weapon available against the pandemic during a plenary debate. Additional efforts are needed to overcome vaccine hesitancy and increase the number of vaccinated people in Europe and the world, MEPs said.
EU support for SMEs amounts to €29 billion in 2020, shows report
EU financial instruments supported European small and medium sized companies and other recipients during the coronavirus crises with €29 billion in 2020, according to a European Commission report.
EU strengthens its disease prevention and control capacity
Parliament and Council reach a provisional agreement on extending the mandate of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. It will coordinate data collection procedures, develop risk assessments and cooperate with the European Commission, national authorities, EU bodies and agencies and international organisations.
The European Commission adopts new rules on vaccine exports o facilitate wider and faster production and equitable vaccine distribution. As of 1 January 2022, producers will no longer need an authorisation for the export of vaccines outside the EU, while a new monitoring mechanism is introduced to ensure transparency of exports.
The European Commission proposes updating rules on safe and free movement in the EU, setting a standard acceptance period of nine months for Covid certificates following the primary vaccination series and recommending no additional restrictions for those with a valid certificate.
The European Commission proposes to update the recommendation on non-essential travel from outside the EU, with priority given to travellers having received EU approved vaccines. The EU would also be open to travellers with vaccines approved by the World Health Organization, but they will also need proof of a negative PCR test, as would travellers who have recovered from Covid.
Extra funds for recovery and vaccination in EU budget for 2022
Parliament secures an additional €479.1 million for its priorities for EU's 2022 budget, including funding for the post-pandemic recovery and financing 200 million doses through the Covax mechanism for global vaccinations.
The European Commission prolongs the State aid Temporary Framework until 30 June 2022 to allow EU countries to extend support schemes. It also introduces new tools to help states address the investment gap and measures to make private funds available for investment in small and medium-sized enterprises.
To avoid food shortages during crises, the European Commission adopts a contingency plan identifying existing shortcomings and proposing action to improve preparedness at EU level.
The EU signs a new contract with Valneva pharmaceutical company to purchase a potential Covid-19 vaccine. It offers the possibility for EU countries to purchase almost 27 million doses in 2022 and up to 33 million doses in 2023.
Parliament and Council reach a provisional agreement to make the European Medicines Agency more effective in tackling shortages of medicines and medical devices.
EU establishes portfolio of 10 most promising Covid treatments
Based on independent scientific advice, the European Commission establishes a portfolio of potential Covid-19 therapeutics that are likely to be authorised soon and available on the European market, after confirmation by the European Medicines Agency.
Parliament wants more transparent vaccine policies
Parliament calls for legislation to make the process of vaccine development, purchasing and distribution in the EU more transparent. MEPs say more information could help counter vaccine hesitancy and disinformation. They also want to make vaccines more available around the world and help non-EU countries.
MEPs want focus on Covid-19 recovery in EU's 2022 budget
MEPs want more funds in the EU budget for 2022 to support the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, boost investment, tackle unemployment and lay the foundation for a more resilient and sustainable Union. They want to increase funding for programmes and policies they see as contributing to the post-pandemic recovery.
More than 591 million EU Digital Covid certificates issued
More than 591 million EU Digital Covid certificates have been issued and many non-EU countries are connected to the system, helping to support tourism.
The US and the EU, leaders in vaccine platforms, will expand cooperation for global action toward vaccinating the world. They will help expand supply, deliver in a more coordinated and efficient manner and manage constraints to supply chains.
EU signs contract for the supply of a monoclonal antibody treatment
The EU signs a framework contract for the supply of a monoclonal antibody treatment with drug company Eli Lilly. The medicine is used in the treatment of patients who do not require oxygen, but are at high risk of severe Covid-19 and is currently under review by the European Medicines Agency.
The EU launches the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (Hera), which will anticipate threats and potential health crises and ensure the development, production and distribution of medical products.
The EU, member states and European financial institutions have disbursed €34 billion to support partner countries in the fight against Covid-19 and its consequences, exceeding the planned €20 billion support package
European Health Union: better disease prevention and cross-border cooperation
MEPs are ready to negotiate with EU countries about reinforcing disease prevention and jointly tackling cross-border health threats. They want to extend the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s mandate to cover major non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, diabetes and mental illness, support cooperation between member states and ensure more transparency in joint procurement.
Additional €41 million in humanitarian aid to fight the pandemic
The EU allocates €31 million to help countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East and Asia tackle the consequences of the pandemic and an additional €10 million to support Unicef in delivering vaccines to children.
Several EU countries delivered vaccine doses, face masks, antigen tests, ventilators, oxygen concentrators, nursing beds and other vital medical equipment to help Tunisia to cope with the worrying health situation.
EU helps to speed up vaccination in Eastern Partnership countries
The EU increases its assistance package from €40 million to €75 million to help deploy vaccines and speed up the vaccination campaigns in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.
New contract for a potential Covid-19 vaccine with Novavax
The EU approves a new advanced purchase agreement to ensure purchase of up to 100 million doses of the Novavax vaccine, with an option for 100 million additional doses over the course of 2021, 2022, and 2023, once reviewed and approved by the European Medicines Agency
The EU ensures €5.5 million in humanitarian funding for Lebanon, as the county faces high infection rates, with the national health system close to collapse.
The EU simplifies rules to allow member states to implement certain aid measures without prior scrutiny by the European Commission. The revised rules concern aid granted by national authorities for projects funded via certain centrally managed EU programmes and some measures to support the green and digital transition that are relevant for the economic recovery of the pandemic.
The EU supports large-scale investment in vaccine production in Dakar. The new manufacturing plant should reduce Africa's 99% dependence on vaccine imports and strengthen future pandemic resilience on the continent.
Reinforcing the European Medicines Agency's mandate
Parliament adopts its position for negotiations with the Council on extending the mandate of the European Medicines Agency and strengthening its role. MEPs call for the creation of an EU database for monitoring and preventing medicines shortages and better coordinated, designed and transparent clinical trials.
Court orders AstraZeneca to urgently deliver 50 million doses of vaccine
AstraZeneca has to deliver 50 million doses of vaccine to the EU by 27 September 2021. If it does not respect the court’s decision, AstraZeneca will have to pay €10 for each undelivered dose.
Parliament President David Sassoli and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa sign the EU Digital Covid Certificate into law in the presence of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
In a debate ahead of the vote on the EU Digital Covid Certificate, MEPs urge EU countries to implement it by 1 July. While the certificate is widely seen as a tool to restore freedom of movement, MEPs underline the importance of its compliance with people's rights.
EU wants a strong multilateral trade response to the pandemic
With the goal of expanding production of Covid-19 vaccines and treatments and ensuring its universal and fair access, the EU submits a proposal seeking the commitment of World Trade Organization (WTO) members for a multilateral trade action plan.
EU Digital Covid Certificate: Parliament and Council reach deal
Parliament and the Council reach a provisional deal for an EU Digital Covid Certificate, which should facilitate free movement in Europe during the pandemic by attesting that someone has been vaccinated, received negative test or recovered from the coronavirus. Parliament should confirm the deal during a plenary session in June and it will then enter into force on 1 July.
MEPs discuss waiver of patents for vaccines and medical products against Covid-19
MEP discussed a proposal to waiver intellectual property rights for vaccines and medical products against Covid-19. While some think it could improve global access to affordable vaccines and medical products, others believe it cannot bring quick results.
Parliament ready for negotiations on EU Covid-19 certificate
Parliament wants to reach an agreement with the Council on a certificate for easier safe travelling during the pandemic before the summer. MEPs want no additional restrictions for certificate holders and called for access to “universal, accessible, timely and free of charge testing”.
EU supports vaccination campaigns in Africa with €100 million
The EU initiative to support a fast and safe rollout of Covid-19 vaccines for Africa is worth €100 million. Funds will be invested in activities such as capacity building, logistic and the rollout of vaccines in conflict and difficult reachable areas. It will be implemented in cooperation with Africa Centres for Disease control and Prevention and other international partners.
Pharmaceutical company BioNTech-Pfizer agrees to speed up the delivery of vaccines and provide 50 million additional doses in the second quarter of 2021. Doses were initially foreseen for the fourth quarter of 2021.
EU countries agreed on technical specifications for EU Covid-19 certificate
EU countries agreed on the main technical specifications for the EU Covid-19 certificate, which is crucial for the establishment of the necessary infrastructure.
To enable easier movement during the pandemic, the European Commission is proposing the digital green certificate, providing proof of vaccination, a negative test or recovery from Covid-19.
Parliament’s public health committee discussed coronavirus mutations and the efficacy of existing vaccines with experts from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the European Medicines Agency and the World Health Organization.
A Covid-19 vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson is granted conditional market authorisation in the EU. It is the fourth vaccine authorised, following a positive scientific recommendation by the European Medicines Agency.
Up to 4 million additional doses of BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine
EU countries can purchase up to four million additional doses of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine, for delivery before the end of March. Doses come on top of agreed deliveries.
The EU helps Romania to deliver vaccine to Moldova and provided medical equipment to North Macedonia and Montenegro to help them cope with the pandemic.
MEPs call for urgent measures to ramp up vaccine production
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Up to 300 million additional doses of BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine
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.
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.
