European Union & Vaccine Rollout: Disaster Unfolding

For a long time now, the creation of the euro, a dangerous experiment that placed political fantasy over economic reality, has been the most damaging example of just how far, and just how incompetently, those running the EU would go in the name of “ever-closer union.” That dismal precedent may now have been eclipsed by Brussels’s involvement in securing supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine for those who live within the EU’s borders, a lethal experiment that placed political dogma over medical need.

Supported by Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, the EU Commission (its administrative arm) took over the negotiations with vaccine manufacturers on behalf of all EU member-states last June. This was designed both as a declaration of EU “solidarity” and because of the belief that bargaining on behalf of the whole bloc could secure the vaccine at a cheaper price, a calculation that appeared to take little account of the economic costs of any delays, and delay was what — for a variety of reasons — Brussels delivered.

The U.K. came to its deal with AstraZeneca (the manufacturer of the Oxford vaccine) three months earlier than the EU, and its contract came with sharper teeth. The EU also took four months longer than the U.K. and U.S. to sign up with Pfizer.

Readmore at: European Union & Vaccine Rollout: Disaster Unfolding | National Review

Coronavirus - EU: Frustration at EU summit on slow vaccination - by Eszter Zalan

A sluggish start to the vaccine roll-out has cast a long shadow on the online meeting of EU leaders, who on Thursday (25 March) discussed the bloc's vaccine strategy.

There has been a muted backing for the EU Commission's plans to tighten export rules, as the bloc wants to make sure pharmaceutical companies, particularly AstraZeneca, deliver on their EU contracts before exporting.

Leaders also resisted Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz's efforts to redistribute vaccines at the summit, which Kurz argued had been unevenly spread among member states.

Read more at: Frustration at EU summit on slow vaccination

Netherlands: Churchgoers breaking COVID rules attack journalists

olice in the Netherlands arrested a man after he hit and kicked a journalist outside a Protestant church that had opened for a full congregation on Sunday despite the country's strict lockdown.

Reporters showed up at the Mieraskerk church in the town of Krimpen aan den Ijssel near the city of Rotterdam.

The church made headlines after reports that it was going ahead with a service for its entire congregation. The Netherlands is under a strict lockdown and has a rising COVID-19 rate.

Read mor at: Netherlands: Churchgoers breaking COVID rules attack journalists | News | DW | 28.03.2021

EU : Spain, Netherlands say open economy key to EU strategic autonomy - by Jan Strupczewski and Foo Yun Chee

Spain and the Netherlands on Wednesday urged the 27-country European Union to keep its economy open, as it tries to become more independent from global powers like the United States and Asia in technology, vaccine production and energy.

The joint call by the two countries, which have large exposure to trade and tourism, comes as the European Commission announced on Wednesday tougher rules on the export of COVID-19 vaccines, including clearer rights to block shipments to countries.

Rea more at: Spain, Netherlands say open economy key to EU strategic autonomy

The Netherlands: Coronavirus Pandemic: Netherlands Extends Travel Ban Until May 15

The Netherlands’ government has decided to extend the advice against travelling abroad for its citizens, until May 15, after taking into account the current infection rate of the Coronavirus in foreign countries.

The decision is an additional preventive measure imposed by the Dutch government to avoid travelling during the Easter holidays, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

In addition, the country’s administration has also decided to extend its restrictive measures after a rise in the number of COVID-19 infections.

Read more at: Netherlands Extends Travel Ban Until May 15 - SchengenVisaInfo.com

Britain-EU relations: Europe's trust in Britain has gone. We're now a problem, not a partner - by Raphael Behr

The pandemic is landing well-aimed punches on the already bruised relationship between Britain and the European Union. A dispute over vaccine supplies threatens to bring blunt instruments of trade war down on delicate national feelings. Not in the darkest hours of Brexit negotiations did either side imagine that supply-chain management would so quickly become a matter of life and death.

At a summit later this week, European leaders will discuss a possible ban on exports to the UK from an AstraZeneca plant in the Netherlands. There is frustration in Brussels that millions of vaccine doses have gone overseas (mostly Pfizer ones) and none have come over in return. The UK responds that it cannot be blamed for moving earlier, signing better contracts and generally getting its immunising act together faster.

Tory MPs say Brussels is lashing out in jealousy. Vaccination is something Boris Johnson’s government is doing well, and the EU is floundering. That has less to do with Brexit than is claimed by triumphant ministers, but as propaganda the point is irresistible: there is nothing else to trumpet as a benefit of detachment from the continent, and winning the vaccination race resonates with voters grateful for jabs.

Read more at: Europe's trust in Britain has gone. We're now a problem, not a partner | Brexit | The Guardian

The Netherlands: The Dutch housing market in 2021 - booming

Over 75 percent of the houses that come on the market are sold either at the asking price or (far) above; 10% above the asking price has almost become the norm. The number of viewings and offers per property has declined somewhat, however, the pressure remains consistently high. Since January 1, 2021, investors are paying 8 percent in transfer tax and are expected to become more reticent to buy, at least for the time being. This will slightly improve the position of first-time buyers.

As the housing market is so tight and private buyers hardly have insight into the ultimate selling prices of the listed houses, more and more people who are looking for a house opt for the services of a real estate agent. This often gives them a better chance to view the available houses (as estate agents know which houses are coming on the market before they are listed online) and the estate agent can offer more information regarding the state of the house and the expected selling prices. Consequently, they will have a better idea of what price they should offer for a house and, thus, are usually more successful at having an offer accepted.

Read more at: The Dutch housing market in 2021