The EU’s row with AstraZeneca is part of wider tensions over the distribution of doses
Crises bring out the best and worst in societies as well as individuals. The commitment, expertise and relentless efforts of scientists produced not one, but multiple vaccines, at astonishing speed. Manufacturing and distributing sufficient doses to meet global demand is an equally demanding feat. One result is the ugly and escalating row between the EU and AstraZeneca, which could see millions of doses blocked from being sent to the UK within days. The pharmaceutical firm warned last week that it would deliver only 25% of its expected supplies to the bloc in this quarter, following production problems.
The aggressive tone of commission officials speaks to the domestic pressure that European leaders face. The EU has so far given only two doses per 100 residents, while the UK has delivered 11. Facing the backlash for a somewhat sluggish procurement programme, it cannot afford more delays. The legitimacy of the bloc and of individual governments are at stake, along with economic recovery. But instead of issuing threats, the EU should be working with suppliers and other governments. In essence, the commission argues that AstraZeneca made a firm commitment to deliver the doses, while the firm says it promised its “best efforts”. It is in no one’s interests to turn a contractual dispute into a political row which can be exploited by anti-EU movements.
