Romania is seeking a common solution with Poland in negotiations with Pfizer regarding anti-COVID vaccines, says Alexandru Nazare

The Minister of Finance, Alexandru Nazare, stated that recent discussions with representatives of Pfizer, held in Washington, were preliminary and confidential. The former Minister of Health, Alexandru Rogobete, also participated in the meeting.

Nazare emphasized that Romania is facing a debt of 3.4 billion lei, which will affect the budget deficit in 2026, and proposed converting this amount into necessary medical products for the country. Additionally, a halt to interest during the negotiations was requested, and the response from Pfizer is awaited.

In the context of an enforceable ruling, Nazare acknowledged that options are limited, but mentioned that Romania will communicate relevant aspects to the European Commission to help resolve the situation. He warned as early as 2021 about the contractual risks related to the purchase of COVID vaccine doses, which led to this complicated financial situation.

The Brussels court ruled that Romania must pay 600 million euros to Pfizer for the doses refused in 2023, but the decision is not final.