EU Imposes New Limits on Coronavirus Vaccine Exports Amid Trade Dispute with Britain

Strategic Insights -

The European Commission has introduced revised rules on coronavirus vaccine exports, which could widen the rift between the European Union and Britain. The new regulations, expected to be in place for at least six weeks, will give priority to countries with low epidemiological situations and high vaccination rates, as well as those that have reciprocated in sharing vaccines with the EU. Britain, which has received over 10 million vaccine doses from EU plants but has exported none back to the bloc, is likely to be significantly affected by the new rules. The EU has faced growing anger from its citizens and a resurgence of the virus, which has led officials to blame Britain's go-it-alone approach and the British-Swedish vaccine manufacturer AstraZeneca for failing to meet production targets.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Commission has introduced new rules on coronavirus vaccine exports, which prioritize countries with low epidemiological situations and high vaccination rates.
  • The new rules are expected to be in place for at least six weeks and will apply to all COVID-19 vaccines exported from the EU.
  • Britain, which has received over 10 million vaccine doses from EU plants, will be significantly affected by the new rules.
  • The EU and Britain are at odds over vaccine supply, with the EU accusing Britain of "imposing an outright ban" on vaccine exports.
  • The EU's goal is to vaccinate 70 percent of adults in the bloc by the end of the summer, while people in low-income countries may have to wait until 2024.
  • European leaders will meet virtually on Thursday to discuss further measures at a summit that will also be attended by President Biden.
  • German Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed reservations about a full ban on vaccine exports, citing the risk of disrupting international supply chains.
  • The new rules will likely have a significant impact on the export of vaccines produced at an AstraZeneca plant in the Netherlands.

Statistics:

  • At least 41 million vaccine doses have been exported outside the EU, while more than 64 million doses have been distributed across EU member states and associated countries.
  • Britain has received over 10 million vaccine doses from EU plants.
  • The EU's population is approximately 447 million people, with a vaccination rate of around 9 percent.
  • The UK's population is approximately 67 million people, with a vaccination rate of over 40 percent.

Sources:

  • The Washington Post
  • European Commission
  • European Council President Charles Michel
  • German Chancellor Angela Merkel
  • British Prime Minister Boris Johnson