RT.com
01 Dec 2021, 19:43 GMT+10
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged countries within the European Union to ?think about? mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations for citizens, as the bloc prepares a ?common approach? against the pandemic.
Speaking at a news conference, the European Commission chief suggested that member states should move towards compulsory vaccination to help prevent the spread of cases and a further spike in infections due to the emergence of new variants, such as the Omicron strain.
"I think it is understandable and appropriate to lead this discussion now, how we can encourage and potentially think about mandatory vaccination within the European Union," von der Leyen stated, adding that fighting the pandemic requires a "common approach" across the bloc.
The EU doesn't have the power to force countries to implement vaccine mandates but it can work with member states to reach an agreement on a combined way to prevent a resurgence of Covid-19 throughout the continent.
Currently, around 77% of adults in the bloc have been vaccinated, with the European Commission president calling on nations to proceed with inoculation programs and the rollout of booster shots to help protect citizens from new strains. Despite the overall progress made, vaccination rates vary significantly across member states, with some drastically trailing behind their fellow EU countries.
Von der Leyen's remarks follow a decision by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to impose a vaccine mandate on all over-60s, threatening those who don't get the jab with a recurring monthly fine of €100 ($113).
On Tuesday, Germany's incoming leader, Olaf Scholz, backed enforcing a similar plan across the country, urging parliamentarians to hold a vote on implementing a Covid-19 vaccine requirement.
While France has not made Covid vaccines mandatory, President Emmanuel Macron's administration has told all adults they must get their booster shots or face losing access to their health pass, which grants them access to indoor venues, such as restaurants and bars.
(RT.com)
Get a daily dose of Cape Town Express news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Cape Town Express.
More InformationWASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. President...
GENEVA, Switzerland: A new United Nations report alleges that dozens of global corporations are profiting from and helping sustain...
LONDON, UK - Lawmakers in the United Kingdom have voted overwhelmingly to proscribe the direct-action group Palestine Action as a terrorist...
DHARAMSHALA, India: The Dalai Lama is set to address a significant three-day conference of Buddhist leaders this week, coinciding with...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: In a significant ruling last week, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Texas law requiring age verification for users...
ISTANBUL/PARIS/BRUSSELS: As searing temperatures blanket much of Europe, wildfires are erupting and evacuation orders are being issued...
South Africa has one of the world's richest fossil records of hominins (humans and their fossil ancestors). But many misconceptions...
Ruth First, born 100 years ago, was a South African freedom fighter, journalist and scholar who worked against the racist system of...
SMPL New Delhi [India], July 3: World Book of Records Award Ceremony was held at The Park Hotel, honouring individuals from India...
South Africans want to shop more sustainably, according to research published in the journal Sustainable Development. But most can't...
Indias PM believes the platform will contribute to a balanced multipolar world order BRICS is a crucial platform for fostering cooperation...
Birmingham [UK], July 2 (ANI): Indian and England players were wearing a black armband before the start of play on Day 1 of the second...