Some small European governments are turning to China for Covid-19 vaccines as the acquisition of the European Union stumbles and the production barriers of Western vaccines hinder the continent’s fight against the pandemic.
The trend could increase China’s influence in the region as it strives for a reliable ally in the fight against the coronavirus first detected on its soil.
The European Union, which buys vaccines on behalf of its 27 member states, has allowed three shots developed in Germany, the US and the UK. . Deficits were even worse in non-EU countries in Europe.
So far, it is mainly small nations on the side of the bloc that have turned to Beijing for help. While voter frustration is growing, larger members are now considering China’s two vaccines and another developed in Russia.
On January 31, German Health Minister Jens Spahn called on the EU to approve the shot made by the Sinopharm group in China if it proved safe and effective. Then Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said the company should manufacture its shots in its country.