Due to Vaccine Supply Shortages... Growing Calls for Export Restrictions in Europe

Jens Spahn, German Minister of Health
[Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As the supply of COVID-19 vaccines in Europe runs short, Germany has urged the European Union (EU) Commission to impose export restrictions outside the region.

On the 26th (local time), according to the Financial Times, Jens Spahn, Germany's Minister of Health, stated, "Belgium requires pharmaceutical companies to obtain prior approval when exporting vaccines to non-member countries." Belgium hosts production facilities for vaccines by multinational pharmaceutical companies AstraZeneca and Pfizer.

The EU is also currently discussing a 'transparency mechanism' that mandates prior notification when vaccines produced within the region are exported to countries outside Europe. Minister Spahn said, "This is not about European prioritization but about fair distribution," adding, "It is appropriate to take such measures for vaccines produced within Europe."

However, there are opposing views. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "The development of COVID-19 vaccines is a model of multinational cooperation," and "I oppose export restrictions on personal protective equipment, medicines, and vaccines." Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice-President of the EU Commission, also stated, "Instead of export restrictions, pharmaceutical companies should provide information related to vaccine exports."

The calls for export restrictions outside the region in Europe emerged after AstraZeneca notified on the 22nd that it would reduce its first-quarter supply to Europe to about half of the originally contracted volume. Earlier, Pfizer also announced supply delays due to expansion construction at its production facilities.

As the shortage of supply becomes a reality, Europe is putting its utmost effort into securing vaccines. Some countries, including Italy, Poland, and Austria, are showing signs of crisis, with legal actions threatened against vaccine manufacturers.