Pfizer and BioNTech Sued Poland and Hungary Over Unpaid Covid Vaccine Debts

Pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and BioNTech have initiated legal proceedings against the governments of Poland and Hungary, alleging non-payment for Covid vaccines ordered during the pandemic, according to statements from lawyers on Tuesday.

The legal action comes in response to claims that both Poland and Hungary failed to fulfill their financial obligations for the vaccines acquired under the joint purchase scheme initiated by European Union (EU) member countries to secure doses for their populations. The case is being presented before the courts in Belgium, the host country of the European Commission.

Pfizer and BioNTech, key players in the global fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, argue that the failure to meet payment obligations jeopardizes the integrity of the vaccination efforts and puts strain on the collaborative vaccine procurement framework established by EU members.

In a joint statement, the pharmaceutical companies highlighted the importance of upholding agreements made during the critical period of the pandemic and underscored the need for timely payments to sustain ongoing vaccination campaigns.

This legal dispute follows a series of challenges faced by vaccine manufacturers in securing payments from various governments, shedding light on the intricate dynamics involved in the global distribution of Covid vaccines.