BERLIN (Reuters) – Germany is about to enter bilateral negotiations with Russia to obtain its Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, a source told Reuters on Wednesday, adding that a final agreement hinges on Russia providing key data to the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
The European Commission told health ministers of EU member states on Wednesday that Brussels did not intend to enter into talks with Russia about a preliminary contract for Sputnik V, as was the case with other vaccine suppliers, a person with knowledge of the matter to Reuters on condition of anonymity. .
That’s why German Health Minister Jens Spahn announced at the virtual meeting that Germany would start preliminary negotiations with Russia on a bilateral agreement to secure the vaccine, the source added.
In the preliminary talks, Germany first wants to determine what quantities Russia can deliver and when, according to the source.
In any case, Germany will not buy the Russian vaccine until it has been approved by EMA and for that it is paramount that Russia provides the necessary data, the source added.
Earlier on Wednesday, Bavaria’s prime minister said the German region will purchase 2.5 million doses of the Sputnik vaccine if approved by EMA.
Markus Soeder, prime minister of the wealthy South German state, said the purchase would take place in July.
Reporting by Andreas Rinke; Written by Michael Nienaber; Adaptation by Paul Carrel and Kirsti Knolle