The European Commission said on Friday it has proposed to EU Member States the purchase of an additional 200 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine produced by BioNTech and Pfizer, with the option to acquire another 100 million doses.  

“This would enable the EU to purchase up to 600 million doses of this vaccine, which is already being used across the EU,” said the Commission.

“The additional doses will be delivered starting in the second quarter of 2021. 

“The EU has acquired a broad portfolio of vaccines with different technologies.

“It has secured up to 2.3 billion doses from the most promising vaccine candidates for Europe and its neighbourhood.  

“In addition to the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine, a second vaccine, produced by Moderna, was authorised on 6 January 2021.

“Other vaccines are expected to be approved soon.  

“This vaccine portfolio would enable the EU not only to cover the needs of its whole population, but also to supply vaccines to neighbouring countries.”