The EU is mired in sleaze

The last year has not been good for the European Union’s image. The Qatargate scandal rumbles on. So far, apart from various functionaries and hangers-on, three MEPs, including a vice president of the European parliament, and one ex-MEP have been implicated in the scandal. Last week, however, yet another festering sleaze scandal broke, this time over the EU’s purchase of Covid vaccines from Pfizer. The scandal is less serious in that no one suggests it involves actual bribery. But it is nevertheless rather more embarrassing because it embraces Commission president Ursula von der Leyen herself.

At issue is the billions paid by the bloc to Pfizer for the vaccines. In 2020 Pfizer had delivered a first batch at the stiffish price of €15.50 a pop. In early 2021 the EU needed more, and got the vaccines – this time at €19.50. Eyebrows were raised. Ominously, rumours were swirling of repeated exchanges of private text messages exchanged shortly before the second deal between her and the CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla, on issues including the price to be paid.