Four PMs urge Commission to speed up vaccine negotiations

The Prime Ministers of Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark and Greece have sent a joint letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging her for timely talks with vaccine producers to avoid the problems encountered with AstraZeneca.

The four mention in their letter the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as a "potential game changer" but point out potential problems as it may need to be first shipped to the US.

The most important thing, say the four premiers, is not to waste any further time in bringing vaccination to as many people as possible as quickly as possible.

The full text of the letter follows:

Athens, Copenhagen, Prague, Vienna - 05 February 2021

Dear Ursula,

We are very pleased that there is now a united, strong pressure on the vaccine producers. A special thanks to you for your personal engagement and for sending such...