PM, EU commissioner discuss Lithuania's prospects for contributing to vaccine production

VILNIUS – Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte and European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton discussed on Wednesday Lithuania's prospects for contributing to the European Union's efforts to ramp up COVID-19 vaccine production.

"We have a world-class biotechnology industry with particularly strong scientific and research potential," Simonyte said in a press release after the virtual meeting.

"I have no doubt that Lithuania's scientists, companies, and new partnerships could contribute to the EU’s efforts to ensure higher production of vaccines."  

The commissioner briefed the prime minister on the European Commission's steps to speed up and increase COVID-19 vaccine production capacity and ensure a smooth supply of the existing vaccines to all member states, according to the press release. 

The two officials also spoke about the importance of objective information on vaccination and plans for a European Green Certificate. 

Simonyte invited Breton to visit Lithuania in the near future.

Last week, the European Union launched legal action against the pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca over coronavirus vaccine delivery shortfalls.