On 9 June 2021 MEPs concluded the legislative work on the EU digital COVID Certificate package to facilitate travel within the EU and contribute to the economic recovery. The Plenary passed the EU digital COVID Certificate Regulations with 546 votes to 93.
The system will come into force on 1 July 2021, in place for 12 months, and is a harmonising instrument to loosen restrictions around all European Member States.
The Certificate will not be a prerequisite for free movement. However, it will consist of information about the individual’s vaccination status, test results or recovery status from Covid-19. It can be carried either as a digital or paper-based certificate.
“Today Parliament has set the pace to restore free movement and a fully functional Schengen while we continue to fight this pandemic” – Juan Fernando Lopez Aguillar, Chair of the Civil Liberties Committee and rapporteur.
The text will now have to be formally adopted by the Council and published in the Official Journal.