Pfizer dispute leads to seizure of Polish air navigation funds

A Belgian court has scheduled a ruling by November 26 regarding the seizure of funds belonging to the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PAŻP). The seizure was initiated by Pfizer as part of an enforcement procedure related to a dispute over uncollected COVID-19 vaccine doses.

Pfizer is seeking compensation from the Polish state, which a Belgian court of first instance previously ordered to be approximately 5.644 billion PLN. However, the enforcement action has targeted en route charges collected via Eurocontrol, which constitute roughly 80 percent of PAŻP’s current revenue.

PAŻP, along with representatives from the Polish State and Eurocontrol, has argued that the seizure lacks legal basis because the Agency is not a party to the civil contract with Pfizer and is not responsible for the state's obligations. The Agency maintains that these funds are essential for financing air navigation services and ensuring the safety of air traffic in Polish airspace, particularly given the heightened security requirements on NATO's eastern flank.