I am not sure why this is downvoted. The EU is a very large market and if the EU feels like it is badly treated, they have a lot of options to make AstraZeneca's life miserable. Anything from stronger regulation of medicine pricing to relinquishing patents. In fact, the president of the EU, Charles Michel has already hinted at invoking Article 122 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which could force vaccine-makers to share their patents [1].

I think first it remains to be seen if AstraZeneca did something problematic. But if that is the case, one can be sure there will be political repercussions. Though I think that they are now just using the threat of repercussions to force AstraZeneca to change their policies. If they do so, this will be the first big test for the new relation between the EU and Brittain and AstraZeneca will be in the middle of it.

[1] https://www.politico.eu/article/charles-michel-says-eu-could...

> In fact, the president of the EU, Charles Michel has already hinted at invoking Article 122 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which could force vaccine-makers to share their patents

In my opinion they should, This is no time to play silly games regarding contract law. Vaccines should be produced as quickly as possible by as many capable facilities as possible.

Let's also not forget that most of the developing world is dead last in receiving vaccines, and greatly increasing production could prevent the death of countless lives.

The market for the vaccine is two doses per adult per year for the entire planet. If we call it a market at all. Lots of countries need help, the EU countries should be low on the list of places requiring international aid.

to be blunt: after the past few days I don't think anyone in the UK gives a damn about the relationship with the EU

talk about a unifying force

But EU had months of negotiations to save a buck on a vaccine which if delayed causes far more economic damage on a daily basis.