EU stokes anger with plan to restrict vaccine exports through Irish border

By Andy Bruce, Kate Holton and Marine Strauss

 

FILE PHOTO: A vial of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is seen ahead of being administered at the Royal Victoria Hospital, on the first day of the largest immunisation programme in the British history, in Belfast, Northern Ireland December 8, 2020. Liam McBurney/Pool via REUTERS//File Photo

 

LONDON/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union on Friday sought to restrict exports of COVID-19 vaccines through the Irish border to the United Kingdom by invoking emergency clauses in the Brexit divorce deal, sending shockwaves through both Ireland and Northern Ireland.

 

In a steep escalation of the EU's fight to secure vaccine supplies, the EU triggered clauses in the Northern Irish Protocol that would limit the supply of vaccines through the Irish border to the United Kingdom.

 

Northern Irish unionists cast the move as an act of hostility while Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin sought urgent clarification from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

 

As Britain considered its response, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed his concern and said the EU had to clarify its intentions to ensure it honoured its commitments to Northern Ireland.

 

"The PM set out his concerns about the EU's use of Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol and what these actions may mean for the two communities in Northern Ireland," a spokesman for Johnson said in a statement.

 

Johnson told Martin that the EU "must urgently clarify its intentions and what steps it plans to take to ensure its own commitments with regards to Northern Ireland are fully honoured," the spokesman added.

 

It was not immediately clear if the move to invoke the article, set out in a document published on Friday, would come into effect immediately - or indeed if was some sort of mistake.

 

A link to the document was no longer working at 2050 GMT.

 

Euronews said the whole thing was a 'mistake' and an 'oversight'. The Commission did not comment when contacted by Reuters for clarification.

 

The swiftest mass vaccination drive in history is stoking tensions across the world as big powers buy up doses in bulk and poorer nations try to navigate a financial and diplomatic minefield to collect whatever supplies are left.

 

IRISH BORDER

 

Preserving the delicate peace in Northern Ireland without allowing the United Kingdom a back door into the EU's markets through the UK-Irish 310-mile land border was one of the most difficult issues of the Brexit divorce talks.

 

The EU's action - even if it rescinds the decision - triggered anger.

 

Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster described as "an incredible act of hostility" the decision by the EU to invoke Article 16 of the Northern Irish Protocol, which allows Britain or the EU to take unilateral action if there is an unexpected negative effect arising from the agreement.

 

"The European Union has once again shown it is prepared to use Northern Ireland when it suits their interests but in the most despicable manner – over the provision of a vaccine which is designed to save lives," Foster said.

 

The EU move is designed to prevent the open border between EU-member Ireland and Northern Ireland from acting as a backdoor for vaccine supplies into the United Kingdom.

 

Article 16 was devised as a last resort to alleviate serious disruption to trade in Northern Ireland after Brexit.

 

The EU, whose member states are far behind Israel, Britain and the United States in rolling out vaccines, is scrambling to get supplies just as the West's biggest drugmakers slow deliveries to the bloc due to production problems.

 

The British-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca has been caught in the crosshairs after it said last week it would fall short of delivering promised vaccines to the EU by March because of production problems in Belgium.

 

That has angered Brussels which has demanded to know why it cannot divert supplies from its British sites which have been producing millions of shots for British citizens.

 

The European Commission has agreed a plan to control exports of vaccines from the bloc, including to Britain, arguing it needed to do so to ensure its own supplies.

 

The Commission said its move to invoke Article 16 was justified to "avert serious societal difficulties" in EU states due to a lack of vaccine supply, the document published on Friday said.

 

Britain has its own domestic supply chain in place for AstraZeneca's shot, including rolling it out in Northern Ireland, but it imports Pfizer's vaccine from a factory in Belgium.

 

Ireland's Prime Minister Micheál Martin expressed concern to EU chief Ursula von der Leyen over the executive's decision.

 

Britain had threatened to trigger the Article 16 safeguard measures earlier in the month if there were "serious problems" in supplying supermarkets in Northern Ireland.

 

(Reporting by Kate Holton, Andy Bruce and William James; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2021-01-30

 

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Stoking tensions and doing everything possible to detract from the utter mismanagement of their failed vaccination programme through the eu bloc. Leaving it till now to approve the AZ vaccine, for example. Just vindictive really in making it political. Nothing against Europeans but the eu as an entity is a nasty piece of work.

2 hours ago, daveAustin said:

Stoking tensions and doing everything possible to detract from the utter mismanagement of their failed vaccination programme through the eu bloc. Leaving it till now to approve the AZ vaccine, for example. Just vindictive really in making it political. Nothing against Europeans but the eu as an entity is a nasty piece of work.

Agree totally, the EU is showing it's true colours, however it now seems they have rescinded that order.

What a failure the EU has been over this. Now it has resorted to vaccine nationalism and going back on its word over a hard Irish border (which apparently they have done a U turn on now) Edit, confirmed U turn.

 

The type of selfish behavior they would accuse Trump over, but now we see their true colours, hypocrisy and petulance spring to mind.

2 hours ago, sungod said:

What a failure the EU has been over this. Now it has resorted to vaccine nationalism and going back on its word over a hard Irish border (which apparently they have done a U turn on now) Edit, confirmed U turn.

 

The type of selfish behavior they would accuse Trump over, but now we see their true colours, hypocrisy and petulance spring to mind.

No ban ! ( yet..)

only a severe control what goes where to from E.U. production plants and to which country ....just a very strict controle on that ....

 

In between time ... the lawyers both sides are spitting out the contract(s)...... before any other action is made...

 

Can see details in article :

Amid vaccines row, EU adopts regulation to control export of COVID-19 jabs | Euronews

 

5 hours ago, daveAustin said:

Stoking tensions and doing everything possible to detract from the utter mismanagement of their failed vaccination programme through the eu bloc. Leaving it till now to approve the AZ vaccine, for example. Just vindictive really in making it political. Nothing against Europeans but the eu as an entity is a nasty piece of work.

I hear that Germany tried to procure their vaccine order roughly the same time as the UK in 2020 but were halted by the intervention of the EU bureaucrats who stated that the vaccine order would be a one off order to supply all 27 EU countries . Ironically the UK was still an EU member ( but negotiating Brexit ) when it signed the vaccine order with Astrazeneca .

So wake up Germany and drop the EU cos your hands are tied on any major national decisions . 

Good to see eu realising their action here was idiotic and responding to Irish concerns. 
 

Such a swift u turn makes one wonder if sitting too close to johnson for any period of time results in being infected with this type of behaviour. (sarcasm alert)
 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/29/eu-controls-on-vaccine-exports-to-northern-ireland-trigger-diplomatic-row?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

The EU and their leader has just shown how vindictive they can be, they have shown the world what a disingenuous bunch of beaurocrats they really are and as Ursula von Leyen is their leader I would hope the the citizens of the EU countries vote her out at the next electi............oh wait.

11 minutes ago, vogie said:

The EU and their leader has just shown how vindictive they can be, they have shown the world what a disingenuous bunch of beaurocrats they really are and as Ursula von Leyen is their leader I would hope the the citizens of the EU countries vote her out at the next electi............oh wait.

vindictive ...? 

her a nice example from U.K. side .....

 

 

EU AstraZeneca row: Farage tells Boris ONLY hand over spare vaccines if Brexit deal fixed | Politics | News | Express.co.uk

Farage tells Boris to hold EU to ransom - hand over spare jabs only if Brexit deal fixed

BORIS JOHNSON has been handed a "phenomenal opportunity" to improve his Brexit deal by bailing out Brussels after its vaccine failures, Nigel Farage has said.

 

By DAN FALVEY, POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT

PUBLISHED: 00:00, Sat, Jan 30, 2021 | UPDATED: 00:07, Sat, Jan 30, 2021

 

18 minutes ago, vogie said:

The EU and their leader has just shown how vindictive they can be, they have shown the world what a disingenuous bunch of beaurocrats they really are and as Ursula von Leyen is their leader I would hope the the citizens of the EU countries vote her out at the next electi............oh wait.

Did you miss the part where the rescinded?

Those that wanted to stay  are very quiet- quelle surprise!

17 minutes ago, Sujo said:

Did you miss the part where the rescinded?

Shouldn't have done it in the first place but they will always get their apologists.

2 hours ago, Bluespunk said:

Good to see eu realising their action here was idiotic and responding to Irish concerns. 
 

Such a swift u turn makes one wonder if sitting too close to johnson for any period of time results in being infected with this type of behaviour. (sarcasm alert)
 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/29/eu-controls-on-vaccine-exports-to-northern-ireland-trigger-diplomatic-row?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

The EU totally cocked up and he still tries to blame Boris,

59 minutes ago, Sujo said:

Did you miss the part where the rescinded?

No I didn't, nor did I miss the part where the EU are making a humiliating climbdown, nor did I miss the part where our very own grown remainers were telling us that after Brexit the UK will fail to get medical supplies, surely you must see the irony there.

Even the most ardent of remainers are criticising the doomed EU and anyone that thinks that this is anything but a monumental mistake by the EU have not got all their chairs at home.

This is from arch remainer Robert Peston who has spent the last 4 years telling us just how wonderfull the EU are:

"The alacrity with which the EU invoked Article 16 to potentially restrict vaccine exports to Northern Ireland is depressing. It shows that the aspiration of the UK and EU to be partners is currently for the birds. This is bad for both of us, and - frankly - for the world"

1 hour ago, andyg75 said:

The EU totally cocked up and he still tries to blame Boris,

What exactly have I blamed johnson for?

Wish I were british ????

1 hour ago, Bluespunk said:

What exactly have I blamed johnson for?

The little dig about sitting to close,doesn’t matter if it’s nothing to do with Boris you will always get the anti Boris  dig in.Its all a bit sad really 

37 minutes ago, andyg75 said:

The little dig about sitting to close,doesn’t matter if it’s nothing to do with Boris you will always get the anti Boris  dig in.Its all a bit sad really 

None the less I am not blaming him of anything the eu did. 
 

Very sad, though somewhat predictable, you would think that

"Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster described as "an incredible act of hostility" the decision by the EU to invoke Article 16 of the Northern Irish Protocol, which allows Britain or the EU to take unilateral action if there is an unexpected negative effect arising from the agreement."

 

Article 16 should only be used when required....by the DUP.

 

Speaking at a meeting of Westminster’s Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, the DUP’s North Antrim MP said it was time to invoke article 16 of the protocol.

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/paisley-calls-for-britain-to-disapply-northern-protocol-due-to-trade-disruption-1.4451671

4 hours ago, david555 said:

vindictive ...? 

her a nice example from U.K. side .....

 

 

EU AstraZeneca row: Farage tells Boris ONLY hand over spare vaccines if Brexit deal fixed | Politics | News | Express.co.uk

Farage tells Boris to hold EU to ransom - hand over spare jabs only if Brexit deal fixed

BORIS JOHNSON has been handed a "phenomenal opportunity" to improve his Brexit deal by bailing out Brussels after its vaccine failures, Nigel Farage has said.

 

By DAN FALVEY, POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT

PUBLISHED: 00:00, Sat, Jan 30, 2021 | UPDATED: 00:07, Sat, Jan 30, 2021

 

Bit weak that one David,

 

Farage represents no one and has no say, UK not being vindictive at all.

 

You'll have to do better than that.

2 hours ago, JustAnotherHun said:

Wish I were british ????

 

25 minutes ago, sungod said:

Bit weak that one David,

 

Farage represents no one and has no say, UK not being vindictive at all.

 

You'll have to do better than that.

As it is  for many brexiteers a leader ..., i find it sufficient as a comparison  ,could be of course you are not on Farage fan club  ,and maybe so find it   just  embarrassing .....so that Farage "keep E.U. " ransom phrase "is not vindictive ...? ????

 

BTW  i thought Boris saw it as a victory Christmas as others did  also , why Farage  is than not happy with the Brexit outcome .....and wish it "adjusted"  ....? 

1 minute ago, david555 said:

As it for many brexiteers a leader ..., i find it sufficient as a comparison  ,could be of course you are not on Farage fan club  ,and maybe so find it   just  embarrassing .....so that Farage "keep E.U.ransome" phrase is not vindictive ...? ????

 

BTW  i thought Boris saw it as a victory Christmas as others did  also , why Farage  is than not happy with the Brexit outcome .....and wish it "adjusted"  ....? 

 

Nope try again, weak at best.

 

And less of the bold type please, no need to shout.

5 minutes ago, sungod said:

 

Nope try again, weak at best.

 

And less of the bold type please, no need to shout.

Shouting is when using big letters ,

BTW your side specialists do that also .....Vinny specially , and i have no problems with his post edits..... again 1 way direction ? as "shoot but dont shoot back " ? ????

5 hours ago, david555 said:

vindictive ...? 

her a nice example from U.K. side .....

 

 

EU AstraZeneca row: Farage tells Boris ONLY hand over spare vaccines if Brexit deal fixed | Politics | News | Express.co.uk

Farage tells Boris to hold EU to ransom - hand over spare jabs only if Brexit deal fixed

BORIS JOHNSON has been handed a "phenomenal opportunity" to improve his Brexit deal by bailing out Brussels after its vaccine failures, Nigel Farage has said.

 

By DAN FALVEY, POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT

PUBLISHED: 00:00, Sat, Jan 30, 2021 | UPDATED: 00:07, Sat, Jan 30, 2021

 

 

Good idea.

1 hour ago, david555 said:

Shouting is when using big letters ,

Can you do joined up writing as well? ????

1 hour ago, david555 said:

Shouting is when using big letters ,

BTW your side specialists do that also .....Vinny specially , and i have no problems with his post edits..... again 1 way direction ? as "shoot but dont shoot back " ? ????

Wrong again David for supersized fonts our man in France is the the no 1 runner and another one of his sidekicks I think there was 3 or 4 posts removed yesterday all supersized fonts your welcome to look back at my posts for supersized fonts but i know you wouldn't find any but if you want to back up your post your welcome to waste your time

1 hour ago, nauseus said:

 

Good idea.

O.K. Nauseus , so you would not mind E.U. keep your Pfizer supply in ransom ....just in equality ransom habits ..????? 

25 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

Wrong again David for supersized fonts our man in France is the the no 1 runner and another one of his sidekicks I think there was 3 or 4 posts removed yesterday all supersized fonts your welcome to look back at my posts for supersized fonts but i know you wouldn't find any but if you want to back up your post your welcome to waste your time

My bold is only darker color as you to use sometimes , and i have nothing against that ..., (however once you blamed me on that and also" cursive " to express is my line ,and not from article as example) and after i saw you using the bold too  , btw. i don't use supersized ...., this was my answer on Sungod 

 (Read the lines maybe 2 times is best ...to understand it correct..., there is no blocking if all is O.K. !) 

 

 

Fri 29 Jan 2021 17.17 GMTLast modified on Fri 29 Jan 2021 19.39 GMT
 

Macron calls for Covid vaccine exports from EU to be controlled
French president bemoans ‘questionable behaviour’ and says deliveries ‘do not honour’ contractual agreements

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/29/emmanuel-macron-coronavirus-vaccine-exports-eu-controlled
Kim Willsher in Paris
Fri 29 Jan 2021 17.17 GMTLast modified on Fri 29 Jan 2021 19.39 GMT

Emmanuel Macron has said Europe will not block or ban exports of coronavirus vaccines but that they should be “controlled”, accusing AstraZeneca of a lack of transparency after the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company said it could not fulfil the whole of its contract with the EU.