The head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has spoken out in favor of considering the introduction of a universal mandatory vaccination against coronavirus in the European Union.
The emergence of a new variant of Omicron has given impetus to discussions about mandatory vaccination
“We should think about the possible introduction of compulsory vaccination in the EU,” – von der Leyen said in Brussels on Wednesday. According to her, the topic of compulsory vaccination requires discussion and a common approach by all member states.
Von der Leyen explained that it is a good time to start discussions on the issue due to the spread of a new variant of the Omicron virus and the fact that still one third of EU citizens are not vaccinated against COVID-19.
The European Commission chief said: “We know from our experience with the Delta variant that it is a race against time. Scientists advise doing everything possible to make the best use of the time available until there is certainty about the transmission of the Omicron variant and the threat it poses, von der Leyen said.
“Let’s prepare for the worst, let’s hope for the best,” the European Commission chief added, stressing that full vaccination and a booster dose provide the best possible protection against COVID-19, according to scientists.
Scholz announces the start of the legislative procedure for the introduction of universal vaccination in Germany
As for Germany, incoming Chancellor Olaf Scholz (63, SPD) announced on Tuesday the start of a legislative procedure on the introduction of a universal vaccination requirement. His statement suggests that it could be launched later this year.
After Tuesday’s summit meeting on the pandemic, he said: “We need a legislative procedure in which every member votes according to their conscience on the issue of universal mandatory vaccination.”
Scholz added that the time by which everyone would be vaccinated should not be too far off. “So my suggestion is early February or early March,” he said.
Source: www.bild.de