The European Conservatives and Reformists Party express their deep concern at the failure of the European Commission to deliver on the promised vaccines to Member States. The European Commission insisted that Member States should conform to a collectivised purchasing and distribution system managed by the EU, rather than pursuing their own policies.

The results so far have seen many Member States go several days without the ability to deliver vaccinations to people – as supplies have run short. By contrast countries outside the European Union have not had the same problems with vaccine delivery.

The problem stems from the fact that the European Commission approved, and put in orders for, vaccines three months after everyone else. The ECR Party believes that the European Commission must take responsibility for its failures. Especially with thousands of lives at stake.

Dutch MEPs in the ECR have tabled several urgent questions to the European Commission over the issue. Including asking to see the contracts that the Commission signed with pharmaceutical firms.

Dutch MEP Rob Rooken said: “Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall. Blinded by their aspirations of power and control, the European Commission has failed miserably in their vaccine strategy. The rash and politically motivated decision of centralizing decision-making has now directly endangered the health of many Europeans.”