EU Court Forces Von Der Leyen to Disclose Pfizer Vaccine Texts

The EU's General Court ruled that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen violated transparency rules by withholding text messages exchanged with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla during COVID-19 vaccine negotiations. The court sided with The New York Times and its journalist Matina Stevis, who had requested the messages to investigate the EU's vaccine procurement process, which involved a contract for up to 1.8 billion doses. Judges found that the Commission failed to provide credible explanations for not possessing the texts or clarifying whether they were deleted, and criticized the institutional secrecy surrounding the vaccine deals. This ruling is viewed as a significant victory for transparency advocates and places increased pressure on von der Leyen and the Commission, which may appeal but faces slim chances of overturning the decision. The case has spotlighted concerns over the opaque nature of COVID-19 vaccine negotiations and the role of personal diplomacy at the EU's highest levels.