COVID-19 vaccines: Public hearing in European Parliament

MEPs from the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety as well as the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy will jointly host the public online hearing.

They will hear key players including researchers and representatives from pharmaceutical companies and civil society organisations and the European Medicines Agency addressing the multiple challenges the EU faces regarding the deployment of a future vaccine.

The debate will focus on the questions of adequate clinical trials, speedy manufacturing and commercialisation as well as equitable distribution of a safe COVID-19 vaccine across the EU.

When: Tuesday 22 September, 09:00 to 12:00

Where: Building József Antall room 4Q2, Brussels

The programme is accessible here.

Follow live from 09:00 on EP live or watch the replay on Video on demand (VOD) here.

Background information

Developing and deploying an effective and safe vaccine against the virus is the most likely permanent solution to stop the pandemic. To this end, the Commission has proposed an EU vaccines strategy for COVID-19.

Information to the media about COVID-19 precautions

In an effort to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Parliament is reducing the need for physical meetings on its premises, without compromising its role of democratic scrutiny nor its ability to approve the necessary legislative measures to combat the virus and support the public, consumers, businesses and emergency services.

The required social distancing of 1.5 m will be respected on EP premises at all times. Any parliamentary activities, like committee and plenary meetings, which are still taking place will be web-streamed and can be followed by the media without requiring their physical presence on EP premises. MEPs, Commissioners, Council representatives and other invitees will be able to participate remotely.

It is mandatory to wear a community mask that covers mouth and nose at all times while in Parliament’s buildings. Journalists, who have to come to Parliament in person, are therefore asked to bring a mask and wear it in order to access Parliament’s premises.