Courts order Poland and Romania to pay Pfizer billions for unused COVID-19 vaccine doses, sparking political debate.
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A Brussels court has ordered Poland and Romania to pay Pfizer/BioNTech 1.3 billion euros and 600 million euros, respectively, for vaccine doses contracted but neither acquired nor paid for following the COVID-19 pandemic. Both countries plan to appeal the ruling. Pfizer stated the decision underscores contractual obligations supporting Europe’s solidarity during the pandemic. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized the previous government for ordering unreceived and unpaid vaccines. Romanian health officials noted the payment amounts are equivalent to significant healthcare expenditures, while Romania is exploring ways to convert the debt into other useful healthcare products. Pfizer clarified that the ruling does not force member states to take unwanted doses but allows them to receive agreed-upon doses over three years if they order them. The issue stems from a joint European Commission contract with Pfizer in May 2021, where Poland and Romania committed to purchasing certain doses despite low vaccination rates at the time. Both nations later stopped fulfilling parts of the agreement citing pandemic changes and the war in Ukraine, leading Pfizer to sue in 2023. Experts suggest countries should have managed unused doses through strategic reserves or donations instead of defaulting on contracts. While some officials defend their actions as necessary to avoid wasting resources, investigations into vaccine procurement are ongoing in Romania, involving allegations of abuse of power. Regardless of the appeal outcome, both governments must set aside funds for the judgment and prepare for potential future deliveries of vaccines that may ultimately be destroyed due to low vaccination uptake.
