The European Union on Monday ratified the legislation on the Digital COVID Certificate to ensure free and secure travel across the bloc and boost economic relations hampered by the onset of the pandemic. According to the EU Reporter, the digital certificates, which will be made available to all European Union (EU) citizens free of cost from July 1, were ratified by Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and other EU member states. They will have a validity of one year starting from July 1 and will promote free travel by exempting citizens from isolation and quarantine.
According to the Open Access Government, member states will have at least six weeks to plan the implementation of these certificates, issued in both digital and physical format. In a joint statement, the Presidents of the Union and Portuguese Prime Minister (PM) António Costa said, “The EU Digital COVID Certificate is a symbol of what Europe stands for. Of a Europe that does not falter when put to test. A Europe that unites and grows when faced with challenges. Our Union showed again that we work best when we work together.” The statement added that while it worked through the legislative process, the EU gateway, the technical backbone of the system was also built and has been live since June 1.
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The digital certificate, which will be available in English and all European languages, is to be issued to those who are vaccinated, have recovered from COVID-19, and have tested negative. The certificate will also carry a digital signature and a QR code to check its authenticity and avoid forgery.
President Ursula von der Leyen said, “We are delivering on our commitment to have the EU Digital COVID Certificate up and running before the summer …. The EU Digital COVID Certificate is free of charge, secure and accessible to all. It will cover vaccination, test and recovery, offering different options to the citizens. Furthermore, it fully respects citizens’ fundamental rights, including protection of personal data.” According to Open Access Government, the President reiterated European citizens’ fundamental right to free movement across the bloc. The proposal was first presented on March 17 by the European Commission and a consensus on the provisional agreement was reached on May 20.
While the EU adopts a new system to facilitate movement during the pandemic, it staunchly opposes the TRIPS waiver initiated by developing countries, which will allow them to mass produce COVID vaccines. The TRIPS waiver protects the intellectual property rights of the innovators, in this case, pharmaceuticals giants like Moderna and Pzifer. The patent waiver would facilitate sharing of technology and lead to mass inoculation against the pandemic. During the G7 Summit, the member countries have committed to providing developing countries with millions of vaccines. European Council President Charles Michel said, “The priority was to ensure we can meet the demand for vaccines and here the EU has taken the lead. As a result, partners have now joined us to accelerate production and delivery of vaccines worldwide.”
According to the Brussels Times, some European countries like Bulgaria, Denmark, Greece have already adopted the digital certificate, and others are expected to make arrangements to adopt this legislation. The EU has urged all states to adopt the digital certificate and move towards easing restrictions and allowing free movement.