Some small European governments are turning to China for Covid-19 vaccines, as European Union tenders are stumbling and the hiccups of Western vaccine makers hinder the continent’s fight against the pandemic.
The trend could increase China’s influence in the region as it campaigns to establish itself as a trusted ally in the fight against the coronavirus first discovered in its territory.
The European Union, which purchases vaccines on behalf of its 27 member states, has authorized three injections developed in Germany, the US and the UK. . Shortages have been even greater in non-EU countries in Europe.
So far, it is mostly small nations on the margins of the bloc that have asked Beijing for help. But as voters’ frustrations grow, larger members are now considering the two vaccines from China and another developed in Russia.
On January 31, German Health Minister Jens Spahn called on the EU to approve the Chinese Sinopharm Group’s shot if it proved to be safe and effective. Then Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said the company should make its recordings in his country.