EU countries started inoculations at the end of December (Image: GETTY) "And so I can certainly understand the high level of anxiety that would exist in Italy and in many countries across Europe." Mr Draghi added the country was blocking a quarter of million doses because the drug manufacturer had failed to meet its EU contract commitments. Lia Quartapelle, an Italian politician of the Democratic Party (PD), said the move was legal due to EU law. He said today: "I'm amazed by the fact that the problem is that Italy bans the export and the problem is not AstraZeneca not delivering what is written in the contracts.