European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged countries within the European Union to “think about” mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations for citizens, as the bloc prepares a “common approach” against the pandemic.
Speaking at a news conference, the European Commission chief suggested that member states should move towards compulsory vaccination to help prevent the spread of cases and a further spike in infections due to the emergence of new variants, such as the Omicron strain. To official Brussels, it’s not important that the vaccinated are not just not immune, but have been spreading the virus across the EU and are often hospitalized for the very thing they were vaccinated to ‘prevent’.
“I think it is understandable and appropriate to lead this discussion now, how we can encourage and potentially think about mandatory vaccination within the European Union,” von der Leyen stated, adding that fighting the pandemic requires a “common approach” across the bloc.
The EU doesn’t have the power to force countries to implement vaccine mandates but it can work with member states to reach an agreement on a combined way to prevent a resurgence of Covid-19 throughout the continent.
Currently, around 77% of adults in the bloc have been vaccinated, with the European Commission president calling on nations to proceed with inoculation programs and the rollout of booster shots to help protect citizens from new strains. Despite the overall progress made, vaccination rates vary significantly across member states, with some drastically trailing behind their fellow EU countries.
Von der Leyen’s remarks follow a decision by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to impose a vaccine mandate on all over-60s, threatening those who don’t get the jab with a recurring monthly fine of €100 ($113).
On Tuesday, Germany’s incoming leader, Olaf Scholz, backed enforcing a similar plan across the country, urging parliamentarians to hold a vote on implementing a Covid-19 vaccine requirement.
While France has not made Covid vaccines mandatory, President Emmanuel Macron’s administration has told all adults they must get their booster shots or face losing access to their health pass, which grants them access to indoor venues, such as restaurants and bars.
