215 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine purchased at the height of the pandemic have been dumped in the EU

215 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine purchased by EU countries during the peak of the pandemic have been discarded, at an estimated cost of €4 billion. The analysis is based on data from 19 European countries, including Romania, but points out that the real figures could be much higher because some countries refuse to make this information public.

East and West top vaccine wastage

Estonia leads the rankings, throwing away more than one dose per capita, followed closely by Germany, which disposed of the highest volume of vials. Romania, which is below the European average, ranks 13th, disposing of 0.51 doses per capita. While these figures look worrying, Ireland is at the bottom of the table, disposing of just 0.16 doses per capita, reports Politico. 

Financial recovery and legal implications

Politico estimates that the discarded vaccines are worth more than €4 billion, based on prices reported in the media, although these have not been made public. This significant sum could support major infrastructure or health projects in entire countries. The repercussions are not just financial, but also questions about how the contracts were negotiated, with pressure on the European Commission and lawsuits against countries such as Poland and Hungary.

Romania in the law's sights

In Romania's case, prosecutors have called for immunity to be lifted for former prime ministers and health ministers, claiming excessive vaccine purchases caused more than €1bn in damage. The situation highlights shortcomings and possible mistakes in the management of the pandemic crisis and vaccine procurement, underlining the need for transparency and accountability in addressing these critical issues.

The analysis highlights the monumental waste of resources and funds during the pandemic, amplifying the need for a rigorous review of how the EU and Member States manage public health crises.