European Union admits errors in coronavirus vaccine rollout, 'deeply regrets' decision on export curbs

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has acknowledged failings in the EU's approval and rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. She was speaking to MEPs in the European Parliament following criticism of the slow rollout of vaccines and a plan to curb exports that initially sought to set up a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, causing an outcry in London and Dublin. 'And yet it is a fact that we are not today where we want to be in the fight against the virus,' she said. 'We were late with the approval. We were too optimistic on mass production. And perhaps we were also too certain that the orders would actually be delivered on time.'