Belgian Court Mandates Poland and Romania to Accept COVID-19 Vaccine Deliveries

A Belgian court has ordered Poland and Romania to accept €1.9 billion ($2.2 billion) worth of COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and BioNTech. This ruling emerges from a lawsuit initiated by Pfizer three years ago, compelling the two nations to adhere to a European Commission contract for vaccine supplies.

Poland and Romania had halted compliance with the agreement, citing reasons like pandemic evolution, the Ukraine conflict, and alleged Pfizer dominance. The court dismissed these grounds, stating both countries must take the vaccines and compensate Pfizer accordingly.

Poland is mandated to accept €1.3 billion in vaccine doses, while Romania must receive €600 million. Poland's Health Ministry plans to pursue legal avenues to amend the verdict. Pfizer emphasized the ruling's significance, highlighting it as a testament to contract commitments crucial for Europe's pandemic response.