BERLIN (Reuters) – Germany is about to start bilateral negotiations with Russia to obtain the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, a source told Reuters on Wednesday, adding that any final agreement depended on Russia providing key data to Russia. European Medicines Agency (EMA).
The European Commission told EU health ministers on Wednesday that Brussels had no plans to start talks with Russia on a preliminary contract for Sputnik V, as it had done with other vaccine suppliers. reported to Reuters a person with knowledge of the matter on condition of anonymity.
That is why German Health Minister Jens Spahn announced during the virtual meeting that Germany would start preliminary negotiations with Russia on a bilateral agreement to insure the vaccine, the source added.
In preliminary talks, Germany first wants to determine how much Russia can supply and when, the source said.
In any case, Germany will only buy the Russian vaccine once it has been approved by EMA, and for that, it is crucial that Russia provides the necessary data, the source added.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Bavarian prime minister said the German region would buy 2.5 million doses of the Sputnik vaccine if it is approved by the EMA.
Markus Soeder, prime minister of the wealthy southern German state, said the purchase would be made in July.
Reports by Andreas Rinke; Written by Michael Nienaber; Edited by Paul Carrel and Kirsti Knolle