(BBC) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel has defended the EU’s decision to procure coronavirus vaccines jointly as the bloc struggles with delays in rollout.
EU leaders are holding virtual talks to discuss vaccine supplies and improving distribution across the 27 nations.
Pressure is mounting upon them to deliver after other countries, like the UK, achieved much faster vaccination.
The European Commission is seeking added controls on vaccine exports.
Such controls could affect supply to the UK, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned against imposing “blockades”.
European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen tweeted that the summit would “ensure that Europeans get their fair share of vaccines”.