COVID-19 vaccines

BRUSSELS - The European Union is not interested in buying potential COVID-19 vaccines through an initiative co-led by the World Health Organization as it deems it slow and highcost, two EU sources told Reuters, noting the bloc was in talks with drugmakers for shots cheaper than $40.

The position shows the EU has only partly embraced a global approach in the race for COVID-19 vaccines as, while it is a top supporter of initiatives for worldwide equitable access, it prefers prioritising supplies for the EU population.

It could also deal a blow to the WHO-led COVAX initiative to secure vaccines for all.

“Using COVAX would lead to higher prices and later supplies,” one of the two officials said.