EU targets Sanofi, world leader in vaccines: surprise inspections for alleged breach of rules

Brussels – There is a suspicion that competition rules may have been violated through exclusionary practices that would have given rise to distortions and behaviour typical of abuse of a dominant position. For this reason, the European Commission has conducted surprise inspections in the vaccine sector against a player active in it. The name of the company at the centre of the investigation was not revealed, but the name of Sanofi, a French multinational and the world’s leading vaccine producer, eventually emerged. 

Interviewed by Eunews, Sanofi confirms that “representatives of the European Commission visited its offices in France and Germany on 29 September 2025, as part of an investigation into practices relating to the seasonal flu vaccine.” Sanofi says it is confident and “trusts that the applicable rules and regulations will be respected” and that it is therefore not in a situation of violation. “In light of the ongoing investigation, Sanofi will make no further comments and will fully cooperate with the European Commission.” 

Meanwhile, in Brussels, it was clarified that the surprise inspections represent a preliminary investigation phase into alleged anti-competitive practices, which does not imply that the company under scrutiny is guilty of violating EU rules.