France and Italy said on Tuesday the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) comments on AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine are "encouraging", AFP reports.

The two countries announced suspensions of the vaccines on Monday, joining a growing list of countries in Europe that have halted AstraZeneca's vaccine shots either entirely or from specific batches, citing potential adverse effects including possible blood clots.

Following those suspensions, EMA Executive Director Emer Cooke said there was no indication that the "very rare" incidents had been caused by the vaccine. She however noted that experts were assessing that possibility.

"The experts will meet again on Thursday to come to a conclusion and to advise whether there are any further actions that need to be taken," Reuters quotes her.