European MPs File Lawsuit Against Parliament Over COVID Vaccine Investigation Denial
November 11, 2025180 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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A group of members of the European Parliament (MEPs) has filed a lawsuit against the Parliament itself, challenging its decision not to conduct an official investigation into the contracts for COVID vaccine purchases within the European Union. This issue has generated significant debate in political and media circles since 2021.
The General Court of the European Union has received documentation asserting that the refusal by political faction leaders to permit a vote on forming an investigative committee was "illegal."
The complaint was brought forth by right-wing factions within the Parliament, specifically the Europe of Nations and Freedom, Patriots of Europe, and the European Conservatives and Reformists.
More than 180 MEPs had previously called for a thorough investigation into the agreements made during the COVID pandemic, citing concerns over transparency and raising "legitimate questions about conflicts of interest and the management of public funds."
Background of the Allegations
This legal action follows a ruling by the European Court in Luxembourg which found that the European Commission violated regulations during the procurement of COVID vaccines in 2020 and 2021, particularly by withholding crucial information on vaccine pricing and failing to demonstrate the absence of conflicts of interest.
In 2021, The New York Times reported that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had communicated via text with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla regarding a significant vaccine purchase deal, amounting to approximately 35 billion euros for 1.8 billion doses—far exceeding the Union's population needs.
Despite persistent demands for the release of these messages, the European Commission declined to disclose them in June 2022, further fueling discussions about the negotiations and the transparency of these contracts.
The General Court of the European Union has received documentation asserting that the refusal by political faction leaders to permit a vote on forming an investigative committee was "illegal."
The complaint was brought forth by right-wing factions within the Parliament, specifically the Europe of Nations and Freedom, Patriots of Europe, and the European Conservatives and Reformists.
More than 180 MEPs had previously called for a thorough investigation into the agreements made during the COVID pandemic, citing concerns over transparency and raising "legitimate questions about conflicts of interest and the management of public funds."
Background of the Allegations
This legal action follows a ruling by the European Court in Luxembourg which found that the European Commission violated regulations during the procurement of COVID vaccines in 2020 and 2021, particularly by withholding crucial information on vaccine pricing and failing to demonstrate the absence of conflicts of interest.
In 2021, The New York Times reported that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had communicated via text with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla regarding a significant vaccine purchase deal, amounting to approximately 35 billion euros for 1.8 billion doses—far exceeding the Union's population needs.
Despite persistent demands for the release of these messages, the European Commission declined to disclose them in June 2022, further fueling discussions about the negotiations and the transparency of these contracts.
