Are you going to travel soon? Then you will be interested to know that the plenary session of the European Parliament confirmed last week the agreement to extend the legal framework of the EU digital covid certificate twelve more months. The current rules, which expired next week, will therefore be in force until June 30, 2023.
The agreement indicates that if the evolution of the pandemic allows it, the certificate could be eliminated sooner. But for the moment avoid restrictions on free movement in the EU in case of new variants or other threats related to the pandemic remains the priority.
The agreement
On June 23, MEPs supported this extension agreement. For what purpose? With that of avoiding restrictions on free movement in the EU in the event of new variants or other threats related to the pandemic.
Due to the unpredictable evolution of the virus, Parliament thus extended the application of the certificate for another year, until the 30 of June of 2023. “To guarantee that citizens continue to have the right to freedom of movement within the EU”, the agreement stated as an objective.
The revision
The European Commission also agreed assess the impact of the tool on free movement and fundamental rights before the end of 2022. It will do so through a report that it will present before December 31 and that may be accompanied by new legislative proposals.
Depending on the results, they may propose its extension. But also its repeal if the public health situation allows it, in view of the latest scientific opinions of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the Health Security Commission.
COVID certificate
The EU digital COVID certificate framework will allow the cross-border issuance, verification and acceptance of any of the following certificates:
- Vaccination certificate: confirms that the holder has received a vaccine against COVID-19 in the Member State issuing the certificate.
- Diagnostic test certificate: confirms that the holder performed a NAAT test or a rapid antigen test listed in the common and updated list of rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 established on the basis of the Council Recommendation of January 21, 2021, brought to carried out by healthcare professionals or personnel qualified to carry out the tests in the Member State issuing the certificate, indicating the type of test, the date it was carried out and its result.
- Recovery Certificate: confirms that, following a positive NAAT test result performed by healthcare professionals or qualified testing personnel, the holder has recovered from a SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Member States must issue such certificates in digital or paper format, or in both formats. The goal is none other than to guarantee interoperability and equal access to certificates to all citizens of the Union. In addition, Member States must guarantee the authenticity, validity and integrity of the certificates through the use of electronic seals.
If you don't have it yet and you're going to travel soon, download it! to avoid problems.