MEPs discussed and voted on the recently proposed by the European Commission Digital Green Certificates, which aim to facilitate free movement across the European Union during the pandemic.
The Digital Green Certificates will become digital proof that the individual has been vaccinated against COVID-19, has recovered from it or has tested negative for it. That said, the European Commission’s proposal lacks specifics on the second condition. Thus, MEP J. Olekas addressed the commission in writing with a request for more detailed comments on whether individuals who have recovered from asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 and have certain antibody levels will be able to receive a valid Green Certificate.
“I would like to know whether the commission will ensure that citizens who recovered from asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 and have certain levels of antibodies will be granted the same access to European Green Certificates as citizens who recovered from symptomatic cases?” Juozas Olekas of the Social Democrats asked the commission.
According to the MEP, the proposal for Digital Green Certificates is a unique opportunity and measure to guarantee one of the core rights EU citizens hold – free movement. Furthermore, J. Olekas notes that we must not forget the citizens’ right to health and equality, which non-discriminatory EU policies must guarantee.
Members of the European Parliament have been in a heated debate during the parliament’s plenary session, and they endorsed the position that all travellers should be able to receive a free of charge COVID-19 test.
After the parliament approved the negotiation position, negotiations will be launched with the EU member states, seeking to have the prerequisite legislation approved by summer.
