MEPs today completed the legislative process of the European Covid Digital Certificate to facilitate travel in the EU and contribute to economic recovery. The regulations on the new European digital covid certificate were adopted in plenary. The certificate will be issued free of charge by the national authorities, will be available digitally or on paper and will contain a QR code. It will serve as proof that the holder has been vaccinated against COVID-19, has had a recent negative test result, or has recovered from the disease. In practice, this will involve three different certificates. A common EU framework will help prevent fraud and counterfeiting and make certificates interoperable and verifiable across the European Union. The scheme will apply for twelve months from 1 July 2021. The certificate will not be a condition for free movement and will not be considered as a travel document.
Additional travel restrictions only if duly justified
During the negotiations, MEPs ensured that EU countries cannot impose additional travel restrictions, such as quarantine, self-isolation or testing, unless such restrictions are necessary and proportionate to protect public health. In doing so, Member States should take into account scientific data, including epidemiological data from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). If possible, they must notify the other Member States and the Commission of the measures 48 hours in advance. The public must be notified 24 hours in advance.
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