On Thursday, MEPs endorsed the agreement reached on June 13, which aims to avoid restrictions on free movement in the EU in the event of new variants or other threats related to the pandemic. The extension was approved with 453 votes in favour, 119 against and 19 abstentions (regarding Union citizens), and 454 in favour, 112 against and 20 abstentions (regarding third-country nationals). The current rules, which were set to expire next week, will be valid until June 30, 2023.
In response to Parliament’s request, the text establishes that Member States must not disproportionately or discriminatorily restrict the free movement of EU digital COVID certificate holders. The European Commission will evaluate the impact of the tool on free movement and fundamental rights before the end of 2022. Depending on the result, it may propose its repeal, if the public health situation allows it, in view of the latest opinions scientists of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and of the Health Security Commission.
Rapporteur’s statement
Following the vote, rapporteur Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D, Spain) said “Due to the unpredictable evolution of the virus, Parliament extends its application for another year to ensure that citizens continue to have the right to freedom of movement within the EU. . We trust that it will be the last extension. We have asked the Commission to assess by 31 December 2022 whether the legislation can be lifted as soon as the epidemiological situation allows.”
Next steps
The extension still needs to be formally adopted by the EU Council. Once approved, it will enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
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