The European Commission, meanwhile, also hailed the judgment as a win. “This decision confirms the position of the Commission: AstraZeneca did not live up to the commitments it made in the contract. It is good to see that an independent judge confirms this,” European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement.

AstraZeneca was advised by Loyens & Loeff, while the Commission was advised by Simont Braun.