Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001495/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Gerald Hauser (PfE)
On 11 November 2020, the Commission concluded contracts with Pfizer/Biontech and other manufacturers for the supply of COVID-19 vaccines, even before their authorisation. Already during the contract negotiations, it came to light that the manufacturers were demanding an extensive liability exemption in the event of unexpected side effects. However, key passages on liability were redacted in the contracts published by the Commission. Unredacted versions have now become public. Point I.12 of the contract with Pfizer/Biontech states that the vaccines would be administered under epidemic conditions and under the sole responsibility of the participating Member States. The latter undertook to accept full liability and to indemnify manufacturers against any damages or legal costs arising from the consequences of vaccination.
- 1.Why were such far-reaching commitments to assume liability made on behalf of the manufacturers without full transparency vis-à-vis the European Parliament and the public?
- 2.What is the Commission’s risk-benefit assessment of mRNA vaccines?
- 3.Why were extensive liability exemptions in favour of vaccine manufacturers agreed at all?
Submitted: 10.4.2025