The European Union Approves First Corona Vaccine Deal with AstraZeneca

The European Union has agreed to purchase 300 million doses of the Coronavirus vaccine for the pharmaceutical company “AstraZeneca” as soon as it becomes available, according to the Commission.

The European Commission, which is negotiating on behalf of all 27 EU member states, said the deal includes an option to purchase an additional 100 million doses from the British pharmaceutical company if its vaccine proves to be safe and effective.

Countries across the world are racing to ensure adequate vaccines for their populations.

Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands already signed an initial contract with AstraZeneca in June for more than 300 million doses of the vaccine still in an experimental phase.

When asked by European Commission spokeswoman Vivien Lonella whether this was a separate agreement on the part of the European Union, she said that the Commission was “in talks” with member states about their needs.