EU Court Criticizes Lack of Transparency in Vaccine Contracts

The EU's general court ruled that the European Commission failed to provide enough public access to COVID-19 vaccine purchase agreements with pharmaceutical companies. This decision comes just before a European Parliament vote where the Commission's President seeks reelection.

The European Commission did not allow the public enough access to information about COVID-19 vaccine purchase agreements it secured with pharmaceutical companies during the pandemic, the EU general court said Wednesday.

The decision came a day ahead of a vote at the European Parliament at which European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is seeking reelection.

A group of EU lawmakers had taken legal action after the Commission refused to grant them complete access to COVID-19 vaccine contracts secured between the EU's executive arm and manufacturers.