Almost €16 billion pledged to ensure equitable global access to coronavirus vaccines
This amount includes a €4.9 billion pledge by the European Investment Bank, in partnership with the European Commission, and €485 million committed by EU Member States. This brings total pledges under the Coronavirus Global Response pledging marathon, launched by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 4 May, to €15.9 billion.
40 governments took part in the summit and committed to ensuring universal access to coronavirus medicines. In particular, the Russian Federation expressed the readiness to supply the global market with direct antiviral agents, products, tests and vaccines.
Governments also vowed to help rebuild communities that have been hit hard by the pandemic, in a fair and just way. As a landmark of global solidarity, the summit resulted in commitments for the production capacity of over 250 million vaccine doses for middle and lower income countries.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said on 27 June, “The world will only be freed from this pandemic when vaccines, tests and treatments are available and affordable to everyone who needs them. Today's pledges and Europe's contribution bring us closer to this global goal. Europe is in this for the long haul. We will use all of our convening power for the common good. There is a strong alliance out there to beat this virus, together.”
Background
The Global Goal: Unite for our Future campaign was launched on 28 May under the patronage of President Ursula von der Leyen. It is a milestone under the Coronavirus Global Response, the global action for universal access to affordable coronavirus vaccination, treatment and testing. It is the European Commission's response to the global call for action launched by the World Health Organization with governments and partners on 24 April 2020, in the face of the pandemic.
