The vaccine struggle dominates the EU summit – signs of a more conciliatory tone between the EU and the UK | Foreigner

The battle over vaccines sets the tone for today’s video summit of European Union leaders. Among other things, European Union leaders are expected to give the green light to proposing tighter controls on exports.

Brussels

It was the European Commission that submitted yesterday a proposal for stricter controls on vaccines that are exported to other parts of the world.

Although this is a general constraint affecting dozens of countries, it is no secret that the UK vaccination program in particular could suffer if deliveries from Astra Zeneca or Pfizer plants in the European Union were stopped.

The measures are being heard in most of the European Union countries, which see controls as a way for the European Union to get its fair share of vaccines.

It is noteworthy that pharmaceutical companies have exported tens of millions of doses of vaccine from facilities in the European Union, while Astra Zeneca in particular has been unable to fulfill its promises to member states.

Warnings of protectionism

But there are also voices raising voices warning of the consequences if the European Union goes to respond to perceived grievances of protectionism.

Clearly, export ban threats can disrupt the complex production chains upon which vaccine production depends.

Moreover, in the long term, the controls could damage the EU’s reputation as a trading partner.

– We must beware of new measures which mean that in different parts of the world we are restricting the flow of goods until we are all affected, Says Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven.

The search for a diplomatic solution continues

This is why the European Union continues to search for diplomatic solutions to the tangled issue of the vaccine.

It was a sign that this was possible The joint statement issued by the European Commission and the British government yesterday.

The two sides affirm that fighting the third wave of the epidemic is common and that they are working to find solutions that benefit both parties.

Ultimately, openness and global cooperation among all countries is the key to finally conquering the epidemic and ensuring we are better prepared for the challenges of the future.

Tension is increasing in member states

Tensions increased due to delay in vaccinations in European Union countries as the epidemic strengthened its grip once again.

In Poland, the largest number of new coronavirus cases were recorded so far yesterday. The curves also indicate an upside in Belgium, as restrictions will be further tightened in the coming weeks.

The internal distribution of vaccines within the European Union is also a subject of debate.

A handful of member states, led by Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, have claimed to be disenfranchised by other European Union states.

In many other capitals, Curtis’ moves are seen as a way to change responsibility for the EU’s national shortcomings.

Joe Biden connects

EU leaders will also have the opportunity to exchange views with US President Joe Biden as he calls for a moment over a video call.

According to a statement issued by the White House, Biden will highlight his desire to revive relations between the United States and the European Union, fight together against the pandemic and climate change, and deepen trade ties.

This is the first time since 2009 that a US president has participated in an EU summit.

During the week, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken also met with European Union politicians on an ongoing basis regarding the NATO Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Brussels.

Despite the fact that the new administration in Washington has been comfortably received in the European Union’s circle, there are still issues in which the views of the European Union and the United States diverge.

Among other things, the United States has warned Germany and other European Union countries against progress on the Russian gas pipeline project Nord Stream 2.

The European Union, in turn, hopes to facilitate the export of vaccines and ingredients from the United States to the European Union.