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EU transparency in the development, purchase and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines (debate)
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit hard, destabilising our economy, education and health. Almost immediately began the race against the time of scientists, manufacturers of drugs and vaccines, as well as authorities. The rapid response from the European Commission, funding of vaccine research and negotiations with vaccine manufacturers allowed for an intensive vaccination campaign. There is no doubt that the joint purchase of vaccines is a huge success. Together we are stronger. However, citizens are concerned about the lack of transparency in the purchase and distribution of vaccines. Citizens have the right to greater transparency regarding the spending of public funds, especially in the context of an important topic such as public health. Transparency allows for better public scrutiny, but also increases citizens’ trust in institutions. The lack of information in the public space is causing citizens to lose this trust not only in the Union, but in vaccines in general, and we cannot afford to do that. In addition, we should analyse our mistakes and draw conclusions. Sudden interruptions in the supply of vaccines caused enormous organisational difficulties and made it impossible to keep to the vaccination schedule. The COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing and new contracts with pharmaceutical companies are constantly being signed. Every effort should be made to ensure that such situations do not occur in the future and this should be considered at the time of conclusion of the contracts.