EU votes to give the green light to digital covid certificates to kickstart international travel
The European Parliament has voted to give the green light to the digital Covid certificates to once again kickstart international travel within the bloc.
“Parliament gives its final green light to the EU Digital Covid Certificate to facilitate travel within the EU and contribute to the economic recovery,” the European Parliament said.
This package will see all EU member states accepting certificates proving either vaccination, or negative test result or recovery from a Covid infection. Vaccination certificates for vaccines authorised by the EMA will be accepted. The use of the certificate will be valid from 1st July and will be in place for 12 months.
In comments released, Chair of the Civil Liberties Committee and rapporteur Juan Fernando Lopez Aguilar said: “EU states are encouraged to refrain from imposing further restrictions, unless strictly necessary and proportionate, and it is reassuring that some are already issuing the certificate.”
“We welcome the @Europarl_EN vote on adopting the EU Digital COVID Certificate!” the European Commission said on social media. “This is a key step towards its implementation by 1st July, to help restart EU free movement as safely as possible. It will also give citizens clarity to plan their travel.”