France and Germany threaten the company, AstraZenka, for the Corona vaccine
Tensions have escalated between drug giant AstraZenka and the European Union over a vaccine shortage, with Paris and Berlin saying the company must face sanctions or even legal action if it turns out to favor the British over the Europeans.
French Foreign Minister for Europe, Clement Boone, told French radio "J" today, Sunday, "I am not saying that there is a problem, but if there is a problem and they preferred other destinations, and other countries - for example the United Kingdom - to us, then we will defend our interests." "The company is now facing" serious accusations, "and this is not something that Brussels is treating" lightly. "
The official said the British-Swedish vaccine manufacturer could face "sanctions or sanctions" if it turns out that it has prioritized its British customers over European ones.
Bonn added that Brussels could penalize the company by refusing to request any supplement doses or imposing sanctions "stipulated in the contract".
The European Union entered into an advance purchase agreement with AstraZenka for 336 million euros ($ 407.8 million), but not all of the money was paid to the company. Bonn admitted that an investigation into AstraZenka was still ongoing and that Europeans first needed "clarity and transparency".
However, he said, "If there is a preference for the British, that is a problem."
Likewise, the blatant reprimand came from Germany, with Economy Minister Peter Altmire telling the daily Die Welt, "If it appears that individual companies are not complying with their obligations, a decision must be made regarding the legal consequences."
