Von der Leyen: EU has to continue investing in vaccines

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed on Friday Europe has to continue investing to make sure that vaccines can be generated and distributed at affordable prices.

Speaking ahead of the G20 meeting, Von der Leyen announced that 94 nations with high income and 92 countries with low and middle income approved their engagement in COVAX, a global initiative directed at operating with vaccine manufacturers to provide countries worldwide equal access to safe and effective vaccines. “I will tell G20 leaders tomorrow it is important to maintain economic support measures as long as needed,” she said.

Von der Leyen stated that the European Union will co-host a global summit next year and added that she is “hopeful” that with Biden, the US will join as well. “The US supports conclusions of the Paris agreement and I’m hopeful it will rejoin the climate accord,” she concluded.