The health pass is far from being abandoned. This Monday, June 13, the European Parliament and Member States reached an agreement to extend the EU’s Covid digital certificate regulation. It will be in force for one more year, i.e. until June 2023. While many Member States have stopped requiring it at the borders, “European lawmakers want to guarantee that European citizens can move freely in the event that a new variant emerges worrying”, details the Parliament in a press release.
As a reminder, the health pass is obtained via a vaccination against Covid-19, a negative test or an infection in the last six months. Entered into force on July 1, 2021, it was to expire on June 30, 2022.
“The epidemiological situation can change quickly, and the EU’s digital Covid certificate has been a key instrument to help us get through fluctuating situations,” said Didier Reynders, the European Commissioner in charge of the file.
And to add: “We are determined to return to unrestricted free movement, and we welcome the decision taken by some Member States to lift all travel restrictions, including the presentation of a Covid certificate.”
The Commissioner also stressed that “today’s agreement will help us continue to facilitate free and safe travel, should an increase in infections force Member States to temporarily reintroduce restrictions”.
The agreement must now be validated by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.