EU gives the go ahead for European digital vaccine certificate

The European Union has given the go ahead for the start of the EU Digital Covid Certificate, which will aim to facilitate safe travel around Europe.

The Presidents of the three EU institutions, the European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the European Commission attended the official signing ceremony for the Regulation on the EU Digital Covid Certificate, marking the end of the legislative process.

On this occasion Presidents David Sassoli and Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister António Costa said: “The EU Digital Covid Certificate is a symbol of what Europe stands for. Of a Europe that does not falter when put to the test. A Europe that unites and grows when faced with challenges. Our Union showed again that we work best when we work together. The EU Digital Covid Certificate Regulation was agreed between our institutions in the record time of 62 days. While we worked through the legislative process, we also built the technical backbone of the system, the EU gateway, which is live since 1 June.

We can be proud of this great achievement. The Europe that we all know and that we all want back is a Europe without barriers. The EU Certificate will again enable citizens to enjoy this most tangible and cherished of EU rights – the right to free movement. Signed into law today, it will enable us to travel more safely this summer. Today we reaffirm together that an open Europe prevails.”

The aim of the EU Digital Covid Certificate is to facilitate safe and free movement inside the EU during the Covid-19 pandemic. All Europeans have the right to free movement, with or without the certificate, but the certificate will facilitate travel, exempting holders from restrictions such as mandatory quarantine periods.

The EU Digital Covid Certificate will be accessible for everyone and it will cover Covid-19 vaccination, test and recovery; be free of charge and available in all EU languages; be available in a digital and paper-based format; be secure and include a digitally-signed QR code.

Member states shall refrain from imposing additional travel restrictions on the holders of an EU Digital Covid Certificate, unless they are necessary and proportionate to safeguard public health.

In addition, the Commission committed to mobilising €100m under the Emergency Support Instrument to support member states in providing affordable tests.

The Regulation will apply for 12 months as of 1 July.