(ANSA) - BRUSSELS, 02 MAR - "Member States have always had the opportunity to close deals with companies that are not part of the EU strategy. The Covid virus affects the whole world, the lessons we can learn from different approaches, from different parts of the world, are always welcome, as they can strengthen us". A spokesman for the European Commission, Eric Mamer, answered questions about Austria and Denmark's decision to collaborate with Israel for second-generation vaccines.

"The EC is certainly interested in learning from Austria, Denmark, and Israel. Their lessons can add value to the EU vaccine strategy and the Hera incubator mission, which benefits all Member States," the spokesperson added.

Asked to comment on a statement released by Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who said that the EU could not be entirely relied upon for the second generation of vaccines, the spokesman answered he "does not want to comment on the statements of others." "We are developing a strategy - he continued - we presented plans for the Hera incubator to address the variants, which was welcomed by all Member States, including Denmark and Austria. The vaccine strategy will produce one and a half billion doses - he added - and we plan to vaccinate 70% of Europeans by the summer of 2021. We know that there are states interested in vaccines outside the EU portfolio. We are confident that with what we have already put in place, we will be able to meet the needs of Europeans." (ANSA).