Invited on Thursday 14 May to take part in a debate on the development of a Covid-19 vaccine, Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas, who is responsible for promoting the European way of life, was asked repeatedly about Europeans’ access to this future vaccine.
A majority of the political groups in the European Parliament expressed serious concerns, in particular about the omnipotence of the pharmaceutical industry. “The health of our citizens must not depend simply on the goodwill of the pharmaceutical sector”, said Petra de Sutter (Belgium) on behalf of the Greens/EFA group. She was joined on this point by the GUE/NGL, Renew Europe and the S&D.
Mrs de Sutter called on the Commission to “implement the necessary measures to ensure that vaccines are accessible to all”.
Several MEPs referred to Wednesday’s statement by Sanofi’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul Hudson. He effectively confirmed that his company would give priority to distributing a potential vaccine in the United States, since the American authorities had invested financially to support his research.
“I ask myself: should the money we as Europeans invest in research and development be seen as a gift, as a right for companies? This is not solidarity, this is capitalism”, said Tiemo Wölken (S&D, Germany).
Do not depend on non-Member States. Fear of the EU’s dependence on non-Member States has also been expressed by many Members. Peter Liese (EPP, Germany) was particularly distrustful of the United States, recalling their absence at the donors’ videoconference (see EUROPE 12479/1).
“We will need political tools” in the quest for a vaccine, Mr Liese said, before inviting Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to “make her voice heard”.
“Let's not let non-Member States make us dependent on their production of medicines”, Véronique Trillet-Lenoir (Renew Europe, France) summarised.
In his reply to the MEPs, Margaritis Schinas merely confirmed that all issues concerning pharmaceuticals would be addressed in the communication on the pharmaceutical strategy “planned for this year”.
He also said, in the introduction to the debate, that the Commission was “in close discussions with Member States and manufacturers” to identify “how best to support” countries in the purchase and deployment of these vaccines.
A safe and effective vaccine. On Thursday 14 May, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) also announced that a vaccine against Covid-19 could be approved in about a year’s time. In an “optimistic” scenario.
EMA’s head of vaccines, Marco Cavaleri, ruled out the possibility of dispensing with the third phase of vaccine trials, which is necessary to ensure the safety and efficacy of a vaccine. Several MEPs also reiterated their commitment to these two principles. (Original version in French by Agathe Cherki)