European Parliament gives green light to Member States EU to keep the EU COVID-19 Digital Certificate until next year, June 2023.
In a press release issued on Thursday May 5, the European Parliament announced that the plenary had supported the proposal to keep the system open for EU citizens with 432 votes. The scheme was supposed to expire at the end of June 2022, according to the message, published on the website of the European Parliament.
European Parliament press release
To ensure that EU citizens can exercise their right to free movement, regardless of the development of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Plenary of the European Parliament approved the decision of the Committee on Civil Liberties to start negotiations with Member States on the renewal of the EU COVID Digital Certificate (EUDCC). The scheme, which expires on June 30, is being extended for another 12 months. The Plenum voted to approve the extension negotiations by 432 votes, 130 against and 23 abstentions (EU nationals) and 441 votes in favour, 132 against and 20 abstentions (third-country nationals).
Along with the extension of the EUDCC scheme until 30 June 2023, the changes also allow Member States to issue test certificates based on new types of antigen assays.
Review after six months
MEPs amended the proposals to emphasize that Member States should avoid further restrictions on freedom of movement for EUDCC holders, except in cases of emergency. If restrictions are necessary, they should be proportionate based on the latest scientific advice. European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the EU Committee for health safety.
They also ask the Commission to assess the necessity and adequacy of the EUDCC scheme six months after its renewal. MEPs want to shorten the period of the regulation as much as possible and cancel it as soon as the epidemiological situation allows.
Next steps
Negotiations with the Council to agree on an extension could begin immediately to ensure the rules go into effect before the current scheme expires on June 30th.
Background
EU COVID Digital Certificate (EUDCC) was adopted in June 2021 to facilitate free movement within Europe during the pandemic, for a limited period of 12 months.
source: European Parliament
Note that Greece has suspended the presentation Covid certificate on the domestic and international flights upon arrival in the country from May 1, 2022.
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