Belgian Court Mandates Vaccine Compliance from Poland and Romania

A Belgian court has ruled that Poland and Romania must proceed with the acceptance and payment of €1.9 billion worth of COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer. The court's decision follows a lawsuit filed in late 2023 by Pfizer to enforce contract terms initially agreed upon with the European Commission.

The dispute arose after Poland and Romania reneged on the agreement, citing factors such as changes in the pandemic, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and alleged monopolistic practices by Pfizer. However, the Brussels court dismissed these justifications.

Under the court's order, Poland and Romania are mandated to receive vaccine doses worth €1.3 billion and €600 million, respectively. The Polish health ministry has yet to respond, while the Romanian government awaits an official statement before commenting.