London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Monday, Jan 13, 2025

0:00
0:00

Corruption in the European Parliament - Business as usual

No texts. No contracts. No criticism. How Europe’s COVID inquiry went dark
When the European Parliament established a special committee on COVID-19 in March 2022, the intent was to bring transparency and democratic accountability to the decisions made during the pandemic. However, 16 months later, the committee, known as COVI, finds itself enshrouded in secrecy, leaving crucial questions unanswered and European lawmakers in the dark.

Initially, the committee's creation came on the heels of the European Ombudsman's admonition to the European Commission for not scrutinizing text messages between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla. These messages were allegedly exchanged in the lead-up to the EU’s most significant vaccine contract. The appointment of Kathleen Van Brempt, the Parliament’s Dieselgate investigator, as the head of the special committee signaled a rigorous approach.

Swathed in Secrecy

However, the committee’s commitment to transparency seemed to wane. On May 30th, a select group of MEPs in COVI were sworn to secrecy and privately informed about a new vaccine agreement between the European Commission and Pfizer. Attendees were prohibited from taking notes or having mobile phones in the meeting room. Moreover, this meeting was kept under wraps from other lawmakers on the COVI committee.

Pierre Delsaux, who leads the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), provided the briefing. Attendees were given verbal updates to the EU's 2021 contract with Pfizer/BioNTech but were not shown the written contract. One of the participants indicated that the original commitment for 450 million vaccine doses for the year was revised to 260 million doses spread over four years.

This clandestine meeting was the second of its kind, the first having taken place before the deal’s finalization on May 26th. These secret meetings signified a stark departure from the committee’s original mandate of transparency.

Obstacles to Transparency

COVI’s efforts to shed light on negotiations between the European Commission and Pfizer met various impediments. The committee invited Pfizer’s CEO and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to public appearances, but Bourla declined and Von der Leyen’s invitation was deflected by the Parliament’s Conference of Presidents.

The committee’s final report reflects this compromise on transparency. The report "regrets the lack of transparency" but deems it "partly justified by respect for the right to confidentiality". The demand for the publication of the full and unredacted contracts is notably absent.

Kathleen Van Brempt commented that although HERA’s willingness to update MEPs was positive, it did not address the broader issue of transparency for the public regarding contracts between the EU and vaccine producers.

An Uncertain Path Forward

The European Parliament is now tasked with voting on the COVI report, likely to take place in July. What was initially conceived as a committee aimed at restoring transparency and accountability has faced a series of roadblocks, leaving an ambiguous legacy in its wake.

As the European public continues to seek clarity on the actions and decisions taken during the pandemic, the role of democratic institutions in ensuring transparency remains crucial. The trajectory of the COVI committee raises questions on the effectiveness of such institutions in safeguarding transparency and holding decision-makers accountable.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Former Special Forces Blast Defense Ministry for Revealing Sensitive Details
Celebrity Responses to California Wildfires: Charity, Criticism, and Controversy
The Wildfires of Los Angeles: A Devastating Impact on Celebrities and California's Leadership
Tragic Loss: Teenager's Death Sparks Community Reflection in Bedford and London
UK Government Proposes Cap on Resale Ticket Prices to Combat Touts
Greenland's Future Caught in Diplomatic Crossfire Between Trump and Europe
EU Prepared to Lead Support for Ukraine Amid US Uncertainty, Says Estonian Prime Minister
Brompton E-Bike Component Diverted to UK Military Drone Production, Causes Delays
Romanian Gang Convicted of Human Trafficking and Exploitation in Dundee
Persistent Cold Snap Grips the UK: Severe Frost and Snow Disrupt Daily Life
Germany Faces Alarming Rise in Homelessness, New Report Shows
China’s Appetite for Salmon: A Game Changer in Global Seafood Markets
Russian Bots Allegedly Amplified NATO Critic Prior to Croatian Election, Researchers Reveal
Armenia Considers EU Membership Referendum Amid Strained Ties with Russia
French Finance Minister Explores Pension Reform Compromise to Secure Budget Agreement
Armenia Considers EU Referendum Amid Growing Rift with Russia
New Wildfire Ignites in Los Angeles as Region Battles Devastating Blazes
The Espionage Unraveled: A Russian Spy Network's Intricacies in the UK
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Trump's Bid to Delay Sentencing in Hush Money Case
UK Financial Markets Remain Calm Amid Rising Government Borrowing Costs
Stellantis Achieves UK Electric Vehicle Sales Mandate Amid Factory Closure
TikTok Faces Potential Ban in the United States Amid Security Concerns
Pound Plummets to 14-Month Low Amid Concerns Over UK Borrowing Costs
Tensions Rise Over Planned Pro-Palestinian March in London
Bomb Scare in Central London: Abandoned Car Sparks Panic Near Regent Street
Police Seek Suspect in Antisemitic Incident at Liverpool Street Station
Regulatory Reprimand for London Charity Over Fundraising for Israeli Soldier
The Duchess of Sussex Mourns Devastating Loss of Beloved Rescue Dog
From Chairman to Controversial Politician: Rupert Lowe's Journeys in Business and Politics
Metropolitan Police Halts Pro-Palestine March Near BBC Due to Proximity to Synagogue
Inside Warwick Hospital: A Glimpse into the NHS's Battle Against Winter Pressures
Chappell Roan: A Synth-Pop Sensation Emerges as BBC Sound Of 2025 Winner
Search Intensifies for Missing Aberdeen Sisters Eliza and Henrietta Huszti
Pioneering Drug Consumption Room Opens in Glasgow
Ryanair Initiates Legal Action Against Disruptive Passenger in Landmark Case
Former Brexit Negotiator Oliver Robbins Appointed Top Civil Servant at UK Foreign Office
British Hiker Found Deceased Amidst Dolomites Search: Investigation Underway
Pound Falls as UK Borrowing Costs Reach Financial Crisis Levels
Italian Journalist Cecilia Sala Released from Iranian Detention
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Faces Allegations of Childhood Sexual Abuse by Sister
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Denies Sister's Allegations of Sexual Abuse
UK Markets Under Pressure as Gilt Yields Surge
Arrest Made in Connection to Stabbing of Iranian Journalist in London
Arrest Made in Fatal Drive-By Shooting Outside London Church
Parliamentary Suspension Over Racist Remarks Highlights Tensions in UK Politics
Debate Intensifies Over Call for Child Abuse Inquiry Amidst Musk's Comments
Mark Zuckerberg's U-Turn: Moving Toward Free Speech on Facebook and Instagram, For a Change
Britain's authorities' support for pedophiles has gone insane
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has finally announced his resignation from a role he should never have held in the first place
This is what is left of the oceanfront homes in Malibu, California.
×