Vaccine production in the European Union

Question for written answer  E-000672/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Hélène Laporte (ID)

The European Commission is proposing to speed up the production of COVID-19 vaccines by introducing improvements to pharmaceutical factories or building new factories.

This decision comes at a time when the EU is facing a shortage of vaccines as a result of production problems.

The Commission aims to use all possible means to satisfy Europe’s needs, including extra investment to improve or recondition existing factories or by building new ones.

It proposes creating a programme involving hi-tech laboratories and companies, which would aim to detect and respond more swiftly to potential pathogens.

• 1.Has the Commission implemented market-related studies or calls for tenders involving pharmaceutical factories in the EU?
• 2.In which geographical area does the Commission advocate building new factories, and according to which criteria does it do so?
• 3.Under which EU budget heading, and in which part of the recovery plan, will the Commission undertake these new investments?