But larger countries that feel responsible for the entire world say that it is a global problem and it is important to make sure manufacturers fulfill promises made to Europe and other countries. A war for vaccines ends up benefiting no one.
That said, [insufficient] production capacity is causing supply problems, while suspicions of better deals having been made are also in the air.
It has been suggested that the EU should pursue its own vaccine diplomacy. How many Europeans need to be vaccinated before the EU can start giving vaccines away?
Everyone agreed that the European Union is also responsible for the rest of the world. It is a common interest to defeat this pandemic. This means vaccinating developing countries to a sufficient degree. And because the latter lack the necessary resources, wealthier countries should use their vaccines to help.
That said, most found that giving away vaccines would be very difficult to explain to voters in the conditions of acute shortages inside Europe. Most countries have vaccinated fewer than 10 percent of people, while it is just 3-4 percent for many.
Has Estonia considered whom to gift vaccines should the opportunity present itself? Have requests been made?
There have been inquiries. I emphasized that everyone has foreign friends they would like to support. I talked about Georgia, Ukraine and Eastern Partnership countries of course. Others feel closer to African countries.