Pfizer sues Poland over Covid-19 vaccine – Analysis

US pharmaceutical company Pfizer has filed a lawsuit against Poland in Brussels, demanding payment for 60 million excess doses of Covid-19 vaccine. The vaccines were ordered under a contract with the European Union (EU), but Poland declined to accept the doses in April 2019. The contract was signed by the European Commission on behalf of EU nations, resulting in an oversupply of vaccines as the pandemic subsided. The procurement process is currently under investigation by the EU prosecutor’s office due to allegations of corruption and secret dealings. Polish officials have raised concerns about the involvement of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the contract negotiations, although her text exchanges with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla during that period cannot be found, as per the European Commission. Pfizer’s lawsuit is scheduled for a hearing on December 6. The company had allowed more time for the EU to fulfill its minimum vaccine purchases, but insisted on full payment for the committed doses. Poland, along with other EU states, may face similar lawsuits. Polish Health Minister Katarzyna Sojka expressed hope for a positive resolution to the lawsuit. Pfizer decided to take legal action after prolonged contract breaches and failed discussions. The halt in vaccine deliveries by Poland was due to financial strain caused by an influx of Ukrainian refugees.

Source: RT news: Pfizer sues Poland over Covid-19 vaccine