EU hits target of delivering enough Covid jabs to cover 70% of adults

Brussels, Jul 10 (EFE).- The European Union has hit its target of delivering enough Covid-19 vaccines to member states to cover 70% of the bloc’s adult population, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said Saturday.

“I have good news for European citizens today, the European Union has kept its word. This weekend, we have delivered enough vaccines to member states to be in a position to vaccinate fully at least 70% of EU adults still this month,” von der Leyen said in a brief announcement.

She added that by Sunday, some 500 million doses will have been distributed to EU countries.

“Our vaccination campaign has accelerated tremendously since the beginning of the year. Our joint approach is a success, because we will only come out of this crisis together.

“But, Covid-19 is not yet defeated. We are prepared to deliver more vaccines, including against new variants. Now member states must do everything possible to increase vaccination,” she added.

The EU had come under criticism for its relatively slow vaccine rollout at the start of the year compared to the likes of the United States and the United Kingdom.

Its program was beset by delivery shortfalls, which led to a legal tussle with Anglo-Swedish provider AstraZeneca. EFE

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