EU confirms export controls on vaccines

The European Union has stated that export controls on coronavirus vaccines manufactured in the block are being imposed, in the midst of a row of shipment deficiencies.

"The protection and safety of our citizens is a priority and the challenges we now face left us with no choice but to act," the European Commission said, reports the BBC.

The EU is in a very public conflict over supplies with the drug-maker AstraZeneca.

The bloc is under rising pressure over the slow speed of delivery of vaccines.

A contested contract with the firm was previously made public by the Commission to support the claim that AstraZeneca is struggling to meet its commitments.

Announcing the export controls, EU Health Commissioner, Stella Kyriakides said the measures were being introduced to ensure that all EU citizens had access to vaccines, and make sure all parties played by the rules.

"This approach is built on trust, transparency and responsibility," she said.

"Commitments need to be kept, and agreements are binding. Advance purchase agreements need to be respected.

"Today, we have developed a system which will allow us to know whether vaccines are being exported from the EU. This increased transparency will also come with a responsibility for the EU to authorise, with our members states, these vaccine exports."