The European Commission will set up a mechanism for the distribution of vaccines among the EU members, with special attention to the Western Balkans.
“We are also working with Member States to propose a European mechanism to share vaccines beyond our borders, especially before COVAX is fully operational,” Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides told the European Parliament on Tuesday.
Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi also announced the news on his Twitter on Tuesday.
To ensure united front to beat #COVID19 & early access to vaccines, @EU_Commission will set up mechanism to structure provision of vaccines shared by Member States, w special attention to #WesternBalkans & neighbourhood. Further options to provide vaccines early will be explored.
— Oliver Varhelyi (@OliverVarhelyi) January 19, 2021
The European Union has announced €70 million in grants to the Western Balkans for them to buy vaccines from EU member states.
Commissioner Kyriakides said they are working with the World Health Organization to provide support of more than €50 million for vaccination preparedness in the Western Balkans.
The announcement follows criticism raised against the European Commission’s policy of vaccine distribution to member states first.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has been one of the most vocal leaders criticizing this policy, and asked the EU for a fairer approach toward the Western Balkans on the matter.
