“The epidemiological situation is highly worrying for everyone, especially due to the spread of new, more contagious virus strains. On the one hand, we must continue coordinating restrictions between member states and, on the other hand, accelerate the introduction of vaccines,” emphasised Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. She supported the action plan of the European Commission aiming to prepare better for the spread of new virus strains in collaboration with researchers, biotechnology companies, manufacturers, and public authorities (the bio-defence preparedness plan “HERA Incubator”).
The prime minister also emphasised that member states must not find themselves in a confusing situation similar to last spring when preventing the spread of new strains by closing down borders. “It is important for Estonia that the member states follow the principles of the so-called green corridors, pursuant to which the free movement of transport workers and goods in the internal market must be ensured,” the prime minister added.
The EU’s heads of state and government focused on vaccine-related issues. Kallas said that advance purchase agreements concluded by the European Commission on behalf of member states with vaccine manufacturers have been the best option. “The agreements negotiated jointly by the EU have ensured equal access to vaccines for all member states, including small countries such as Estonia,” said the prime minister.
“At the same time, it is vital that vaccine manufacturers live up to their responsibilities to Europe, and we therefore welcome all actions of the Commission helping to increase the capacity of vaccine production. We are ready to speed up vaccinations in Estonia as soon as deliveries increase,” the prime minister noted. The European Commission has taken several steps to improve cooperation between pharmaceutical companies, eliminate bottlenecks in supply chains, and ensure the availability of raw materials.
Kallas also told the leaders of member states about the pilot project of Estonia and the World Health Organization (WHO), whereby a secure global data exchange layer will be created for the verification of digital vaccination certificates.
“We need to be ready with a global e-solution by the time the availability of vaccines is no longer an issue and people start travelling more. Our goal is to provide a secure and reliable solution for the cross-border verification of vaccine certificates. Counterfeit COVID-19 test results and falsified proof of vaccination are already regrettably in circulation,” said Kallas, expressing hope that EU countries would join the pilot project.
The Council reaffirmed solidarity with non-EU countries in the fight against COVID-19. Prime Minister Kallas expressed support for the leading role of the European Commission in coordinating the activities of the Member States in assisting third countries, including in vaccination. The prime minister also welcomed the regional package of the European Commission and the WHO providing 40 million euros in support of the Eastern Partnership countries in organising vaccinations.
The Council also discussed strengthening the EU’s long term resilience to potential health threats. The European Commission has issued proposals for establishing an EU Health Union and an EU medicines strategy as a first step in strengthening preparedness for and response to health threats.
Background information:
The European Commission has concluded advance purchase agreements on behalf of all member states with six vaccine manufacturers – Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen Pharmaceutica, Sanofi, and Curevac. Agreements with vaccine manufacturers Valneva and Novavax are also in works.
Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, and AstraZeneca have received EU marketing authorisations. The European Medicines Agency has also started evaluating the marketing authorisation for Janssen Pharmaceutica (Johnson & Johnson).
With the current agreements, Estonia can purchase a total of about 4.6 million doses of the vaccine for approximately 2.5 million people.
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