EU transparency scheme raises concerns over potential COVID-19 vaccine export restrictions

Controversy over a reduction in projected shipments of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine to the EU have prompted the European bloc to propose a scheme that would require vaccine manufacturers to notify the EU government head of any exports. While billed as an effort to improve transparency of vaccine supplies, the proposal has raised concerns over potential export restrictions and further supply chain disruptions. 

European Commissioner for Health Stella Kyriakides said Monday night that the EU plans to establish a transparency mechanism that would require any Europe-based COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer to inform the EU government of its plans to export the vaccine to countries outside of the EU, with the exception of humanitarian deliveries. The EC plans to finalize the proposal by the end of the week. ...