DISINFO: EMA received signals from top EU officials to intentionally delay registering Sputnik V
SUMMARY
The EU is not in a hurry to register the Russian Sputnik V vaccine. Even though the European Medicines Agency (EMA) launched a rolling review of the Russian vaccine registration on 4 March, the case has not kicked off. Russia is convinced that the approval is deliberately delayed. The EMA has received “signals from the EU’s top officials” about the delay.
Most surprisingly, people are ready to buy Sputnik V in the EU, but Brussels does not allow it.
RESPONSE
A recurring disinformation narrative about the Sputnik V targeting the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the wider EU structures.
Claims that the EU or its regulatory bodies are biased against the Russian vaccine or that EU officials are blocking its certification are not supported by evidence. EMA Executive Director Emer Cooke said she hoped the Sputnik V vaccine would be approved. For that EMA is conducting a rolling review including visiting Russian facilities.
The EMA has certified four vaccines so far. The rolling review of Sputnik V was launched on 4 March 2021. The EMA applies the same regulatory approach to all vaccine applications to check them for safety and efficacy.
According to reporting by Reuters, the developer of Sputnik V missed a recent deadline of June 10, 2021 to submit required data, which may postpone the approval process.
See related earlier disinformation claims, alleging that EMA deliberately delays registration of Sputnik V; that high level EU officials delay Sputnik V authorisation by EMA; that non-recognition of Sputnik V by EMA has a political background.