Ursula’s digital travel pass plan divides Europe
VACCINE passport plans for travellers in Europe will be unveiled this month, Ursula von der Leyen has said.
The European Commission president said the ‘digital green pass’ would show ‘proof that a person has been vaccinated and results of tests for those who couldn’t get a vaccine yet’.
She added: ‘The aim is to gradually enable them to move safely in the EU or abroad – for work or tourism.
‘The digital green pass should facilitate Europeans’ lives.’
But her plan – outlined in a video conference with German politicians yesterday – is dividing Europe.
Spain and Greece are among those keen on vaccine passports in time for a summer holiday season.
But Germany, France and Belgium have already said it would be unfair to allow only vaccinated people to travel.
Belgian deputy prime minister Sophie Wilmes said yesterday: ‘There is no question of linking vaccination to freedom of movement around Europe.’
The World Health Organization also advises against vaccine passports. It is unclear how Britain may be affected.
The plan comes with EU countries under pressure to give millions of unused vaccine doses to poor nations. Four in five doses of its Oxford/ AstraZeneca vaccine are still in fridges across the continent, Metro reported yesterday.
France last night backtracked on its ban on giving the Oxford jab to older people, saying over-6 s with health issues can now have it – but those aged 7 and over will only get the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.