24
Nov
2021
Watch
The EU's role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic: how to vaccinate the world (continuation of debate)
Dear Vice-President, Commissioners, Ministers, colleagues and colleagues, I take this opportunity to once again invite all our fellow citizens to give their trust to science, not to those who want to manipulate vulnerable social groups with false information. Those who spread false information, and we have heard them here today, unfortunately, are responsible for the deaths of people who refuse vaccination because of their lies. Vaccination is the most effective public health measure, and it not only protects ourselves and our loved ones, but also relieves the health system. This enables those in need to receive timely healthcare. On the other hand, non-vaccination risks introducing a new strict closure that is not in anyone's interest. It should be clearly stated: alternative to vaccination and COVID certificates is lockdown. That must be clear to everyone. The European Union is based on solidarity, it does not stop at its borders. We are the world’s largest exporter of vaccines, exporting to third countries every other vaccine produced in the EU. By vaccinating the rest of the world, we are reducing the circulation of the virus, which could lead to the creation of new, even more infectious strains. It is important to point out that it is thanks to intellectual property rights that we have developed in record time safe and effective vaccines that we are able to share with the rest of the world today. Their protection must in no way be called into question, as without them there is no medical innovation that we desperately need. COVID-19 is an unpredictable disease that requires a common coordinated response based on solidarity. The European Union has long understood this, and now it is time for other world powers to join us further in solidarity.