Four COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in the EU are protective against all coronavirus strains circulating in Europe, including the highly contagious Delta variant, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said on Thursday. 

The agency also said two doses of COVID-19 vaccines appear to provide protection against the rapidly spreading Delta variant of the coronavirus.

"Emerging data from real world evidence are showing that two doses of vaccines are protective against the Delta variant," Marco Cavaleri, EMA head of vaccine strategy, told a news conference on Thursday.

Earlier on the day, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that Europe may be "Delta dominant" by August and called for more vaccines take-up.

"Delta overtakes alpha very quickly through multiple and repeated introductions, and is already translating into increased hospitalizations and deaths. By August, the WHO European Region will be 'delta dominant.'" WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge told a meeting on Thursday. 

"Vaccines are effective against the Delta variant. Not one dose but two doses. Delays in getting vaccinated cost lives and economies, and the slower we vaccinate, the more variants will emerge," he added.

(With input from agencies)