In 2021, the European Commission signed contracts for procuring 4.6 billion vaccine doses, totaling 7.1 billion euros, representing 10 vaccine doses per capita in the European Union.

Error detected

The stated value of 7.1 billion euros is factually incorrect. The correct figure is 71 billion euros according to the European Court of Auditors.

Omissions

• The actual financial value of the contracts was €71 billion, not €7.1 billion as claimed - a factor of 10 difference.
• The European Court of Auditors report was published after the period in question, though it covers data from 2021.
• The 4.6 billion figure represents 'up to' 4.6 billion doses, indicating maximum potential procurement rather than confirmed purchases.

Sources

• PrimaryEuropean Court of Auditors - Special report on EU COVID-19 vaccine procurementBy November 2021, the Commission had signed €71 billion worth of contracts on behalf of the Member States to purchase up to 4.6 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses.
• SecondaryEuropean Parliament - Parliamentary question E-003364/2023According to the European Court of Auditors, the Commission signed contracts worth a total of EUR 71 billion to obtain up to 4.6 billion doses of vaccine.