Europe’s vaccine disaster

Zack, Jenn, and Alex discuss the raft of problems stymying Europe’s vaccine rollout, which has been slower and messier than expected, given some of the earlier successes the continent had controlling infection rates. They talk about why some countries decided to pause administering the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine and how the EU’s decision to negotiate for vaccines as a bloc, rather than as individual countries, slowed down the rollout and exacerbated tensions between some of the wealthier and less-wealthy countries in the bloc. They also discuss what all of this turmoil might mean for the future of the EU as a political institution. References: Politico Europe has a great piece on how the EU fell behind on vaccines. Yes, Germany was let off the hook after it tried to make a side vaccine deal. The Washington Post noted that the EU pays less than the US for vaccines. Here’s the survey showing Europe is the most vaccine-skeptical region of the world. The New York Times reported politics may have played a bigger role in the AstraZeneca vaccine freeze than science. This is the Science magazine piece Jenn mentioned about the blood clots. The Washington Post reported that Europe may be headed into a third coronavirus wave. The Atlantic has a smart piece on France’s vaccine skepticism. Hosts: Zack Beauchamp (@zackbeauchamp), senior correspondent, Vox Jennifer Williams (@jenn_ruth), senior foreign editor, Vox Alex Ward (@AlexWardVox), White House reporter, Vox   Consider contributing to Vox: If you value Worldly’s work, please consider making a contribution to Vox: bit.ly/givepodcasts   More to explore: Subscribe for free to Today, Explained, Vox’s daily podcast to help you understand the news, hosted by Sean Rameswaram.   About Vox: Vox is a news network that helps you cut through the noise and understand what's really driving the events in the headlines.   Follow Us: Vox.com  Newsletter: Vox Sentences  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices