The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) approval of a second COVID-19 vaccine, Moderna, is another step forward when it comes to tackling the pandemic. The Renew Europe Group has strongly defended the reinforcement of the EMA’s role in this, which is vital to combine trust in the science, speed in application and solidarity across all EU member states.

The EU’s strategy of negotiating purchases as one bloc, having a balanced portfolio and not cutting corners on the scientific approval process is undoubtedly the right one, but Renew Europe calls for enhanced transparency from the EMA and the European Commission on the way forward. Renew Europe calls on the EMA and the European Commission to provide a clear explanation of current approval processes, purchases and a timetable of next steps and will request that this item is added to the agenda of the European Parliament’s Plenary, taking place in January.

President of Renew Europe, Dacian Cioloș, said: “The approval of a second vaccine is good news and I count on the EMA to clearly explain its decisions and timetable for the next vaccines. I will ask for a debate in the European Parliament on the vaccination process. It is very important that citizens have clarity not only on the efficiency and deployment of the vaccine but also on the approval process, on when they can realistically expect to get it and in what conditions. Transparency and sound, factual communications are the best medicine, not only against conspiracy theories, but also to build trust in the EU institutions.”

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