AstraZeneca has published a redacted version of its contract with the European Union amid an escalating row over vaccine shortages.

Eric Mamer, chief spokesperson of the European Commission, told a briefing in Brussels: ‘AstraZeneca has agreed to publish the redacted contract signed between the two parties on August 27, 2020.’

‘We welcome the company’s commitment towards more transparency in its participation to the rollout of the EU vaccine strategy.

‘Transparency, and accountability, are important to help build trust of European citizens and to make sure they can rely on the effectiveness and safety of the vaccines purchased at EU level.’

Details about the price of the vaccine were removed. The advance purchasing agreement was signed before any vaccine existed.

Mr Mamer insisted UK factories should be used to provide doses of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine to the EU.

‘We have always said that indeed there are a number of plants which are mentioned in the contract that we have with AstraZeneca, some of which are located in the UK, and it is foreseen that these plants will contribute to the effort of AstraZeneca to deliver doses to the European Union,’ he said.

‘There is absolutely no question for us that this is what the contract specifies.’

Authorities in Europe are expected to approve the AstraZeneca vaccine later today, but questions remain over how effective it is among people over 65.

German officials won’t recommend the vaccine to the elderly, claiming there is ‘insufficient data currently available to ascertain how effective the vaccination is above 65 years’.

But hitting back at German authorities, Public Health England said the vaccine was ‘safe’.

The publication of the contract comes after the EU is fuming after the drugmaker announced it will cut deliveries to the continent by 60% amid production problems.

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