EU more worried about Parma ham branding than COVID vaccine patents

How did EU governments decide to oppose a global measure that could boost production of COVID vaccines and medicines for the global south? You won’t get the slightest hint from official EU sources. But leaked documents reveal that the Commission and member states see the real problem as a mere PR issue of how to deflect criticism. Given the pandemic, their position seems indefensible.

Corporate Europe Observatory

Part 1

A crucial political battle is taking place in the World Trade Organization (WTO), one that will determine the fate of hundreds of millions of people across the globe.

While the wealthiest nations are busy fighting amongst themselves over a scarce supply of COVID-19 vaccines, India and South Africa have tabled a proposal that would waive current intellectual property rules in order to expand production worldwide substantially. If know-how and vaccine recipes are shared, generic manufacturers could start supplying the countries in the back of the queue, for instance the 85 nations set to receive vaccines only in two years time.

Had it not been for the stiff resistance by the US, Switzerland, Norway, and not least the EU, that vision could have become a reality. But the European Commission has shown no sign of budging at the WTO negotiations. At a meeting in Geneva on 11 March the EU’s rejection was reiterated.

That begs the question: what was discussed with member states in recent months before the Commission went to the WTO in Geneva and rejected the Indian/ South African proposal? Which member state took what position? Did anyone voice the opinion that perhaps this is the time to embark on genuine sharing of technology, to benefit communities around the world, and end the pandemic as fast as possible?

Corporate Europe Observatory tried to uncover how one of the most significant issues of recent times was dealt with in the EU. It turned out to be laborious to climb the walls built around EU Council decision-making. And when finally we gained a glimpse of the crucial talks, it was – while unsurprising – still hugely disappointing to see that EU member states saw the WTO clash over COVID vaccines and medicines as a mere PR problem. Something that would need to be addressed to minimise loss of prestige.

Source, links, further info:

https://corporateeurope.org/en/2021/03/patently-absurd

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