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Lithuania will donate 200,000 doses of coronavirus vaccines to countries in the Eastern Partnership group, its foreign ministry announced Friday.
By September, 100,000 vaccine doses will go to Ukraine, 15,000 to Georgia, and 11,000 to Moldova. The remainder hasn’t yet been decided but “will be considered in the near future,” the ministry said.
The Eastern Partnership group also includes Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus.
Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis also took the opportunity to draw attention to the Russia’s current involvement in and near Ukraine. “The country has tackled two challenges simultaneously: the pandemic and the Kremlin’s military aggression,” he said.
“Small step by [Lithuania], hopefully our partners in Europe will join in solidarity with many more!” added the foreign minister on Twitter.
The Lithuanian donation will “contribute to the Team Europe package,” reads the statement.
Later, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Twitter she welcomed the decision, adding that “the #EU stands by its friends and partners in the Eastern Partnership.”
The delivery comes as the debate over how Europe should handle its extra doses, and how it can best leverage them for diplomatic purposes, is still ongoing among capitals.
UPDATE: The story has been updated with Ursula von der Leyen’s response.
This article is part of POLITICO’s premium policy service: Pro Health Care. From drug pricing, EMA, vaccines, pharma and more, our specialized journalists keep you on top of the topics driving the health care policy agenda. Email [email protected] for a complimentary trial.
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