The Stabilization and Association Council between Albania and the European Union held its eleventh meeting on 1 March 2021 in Brussels.
In a Joint Conference with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borrell and Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, Albanian PM Edi Rama expressed the disappointment in terms of the delay by the EU in supporting the country, as well as the region, with COVID-19 vaccines.
“Today there are 140 countries that have not started using Covid vaccines. COVAX is finally starting to give the countries the first doses. “, he added.
He also said that “Albania, while waiting for the doses of AstraZeneca, is looking at different possibilities of buying vaccines from undesirable sources”, perhaps referring to Russian or Chinese vaccines.
Commissioner for Enlargement Varhelyi added that the EU has kept up its word in terms of its commitment to help out Western Balkans countries against the pandemic.
“When it comes to fighting against COVID-19, EU continues to stand by Albania. We provided significant support on recovery through the Economic and Investment Plan for Western Balkans. We also work day and night to ensure access to vaccines, through COVAX and other means, because we care.”, he mentioned.
