Regulation (EU) 2021/953 on a framework for the issuance, verification and acceptance of interoperable COVID-19 vaccination, test and recovery certificates (EU Digital COVID Certificate) to facilitate free movement during the COVID-19 pandemic

What it is

to establish a common framework for the issuance, verification and acceptance of interoperable certificates on vaccination, testing and recovery to facilitate free movement during the COVID-19 pandemic (Digital Green Certificate). PROPOSED ACT: Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council. ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: the European Parliament decides in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure and on an equal footing with the Council. BACKGROUND: in order to limit the spread of the virus, Member States have adopted various measures, some of which have had an impact on travel to and within the territory of the Member States, such as the requirement to undergo quarantine or self-containment or to be tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection prior to and/or after arrival. The European Parliament adopted by 540 votes to 119, with 31 abstentions, amendments to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on a framework for the issuance, verification and acceptance of interoperable certificates on vaccination, testing and recovery to facilitate free movement during the COVID-19 pandemic (Digital Green Certificate). The matter was referred back to the committee responsible for inter-institutional negotiations. The main amendments adopted by the plenary concern the following issues: The regulation seeks to lay down a framework for the issuance, verification and acceptance of interoperable certificates on COVID-19 vaccination, testing and recovery for the purpose of facilitating the holders’ exercise of their right to free movement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Members stressed that the certificate cannot be interpreted as establishing a direct or indirect right or obligation for persons to be vaccinated. Moreover, it should not in any case be used as a travel document. Possession of an EU COVID-19 Certificate should not be a precondition to exercise free movement rights. The prospective holders should be entitled to receive the certificates in the format of their choice (either digital or paper-based). The certificates should be user-friendly and accessible to persons with disabilities. The holder should be provided with clear, comprehensive and timely information on the use of the vaccination certificate, test certificate, and/or recovery certificate. Vaccination and test certificates should be issued automatically. Recovery certificates would be issued on request and could also be issued in case of detection of antibodies by a serological test. Union transport hubs, such as airports, ports, and railway and bus stations, where the certificates are verified should apply standardised and common criteria and procedures for their verification, on the basis of guidance developed by the Commission. Issuance of certificates should not lead to differential treatment and discrimination based on vaccination status or the possession of a specific certificate. In this respect, Members stated Member States ensure universal, accessible, timely and free of charge testing possibilities in order to guarantee the right to free movement inside the Union without discrimination on grounds of economic or financial…

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