Europe's aviation, travel and tourism sectors* have issued a statement in which they welcome the European Parliament's vote on the proposal for an EU regulation on a digital green certificate. This vote paves the way for technical negotiations between the Parliament, the European Council and the European Commission.
According to industry players, it is essential for the institutions to act quickly and agree on the launch arrangements. The objective is ambitious, since these certificates should be operational by June. They must also be compatible with verification systems in non-EU countries.
These common, interoperable, secure health certificates, which comply with the protection of citizens' freedoms, are the key to a return to the rule of law. free movement of people within the EU. They make it possible to resume travel safely and responsibly by relaxing - and eventually removing - current travel restrictions.
New name for the certificate
The Parliament's position has made significant changes to the initial proposal:
- A new name, "EU COVID-19 certificate", has been adopted in order to be clearer for EU citizens. The name confirms that the use of certificates is limited to the pandemic period.
- Free, accessible tests Tests are absolutely essential in the fight against Covid-19. The obligation to carry out tests before departure (often by PCR) must not create economic distortions between travellers. Tests costing between €10 and €150 can be a deterrent for travellers.
- Total equality between vaccinated and tested citizens : no additional measuresTravellers presenting a valid EU "COVID-19 certificate" should not be required to undergo quarantine or testing.
The proposed amendments send a strong political message from Parliament about the urgent need to re-establish free movement within the EU. This is not a privilege, but a right, as stipulated in the foundations of the single market and enshrined in the European treaties. Restoring free movement quickly and safely is both possible and vitally important for international trade. It also concerns cross-border workers as well as holidaymakers and private visitors.
The sectors are therefore urging swift and effective negotiations. an agreement by mid-May so that pilot tests and full implementation can take place in June.
Vaccination on the rise in Europe
The certificate becomes all the more important when Vaccination campaigns in Europe are gaining ground. At the end of April, 26.5 % of European citizens had received at least one dose of vaccine compared with 16 % at the end of March. Or more than 135 million Europeans.
According to the New York Times, which compiles official figures on a daily basis, Europe administers 30 doses per 100 peopleNorth America, with 47 doses per 100 people.
In the European Union, Malta and Hungary injected 45% and 41% of their populations respectively. These two countries come out on top. Germany vaccinated 27% of its population with one dose, Belgium 26%, Spain 25%, while 23% of the population in France, Italy, Luxembourg and Portugal received their first injection. (Source: New York Times / University of Oxford-30 April 2021).
* Airlines for Europe (A4E), ACI Europe, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), ECTAA, EFCO & HPA, European Travel Commission (ETC), ETOA, European Travel Retail Confederation (ETRC), HOTREC, IAAPA, IATA, European Federation of Rural Tourism (EuroGites)
