The European Union Has Approved Covid-19 Certificates In Order To Reopen Travel

By: Alana DeRose

fra.europa.eu

The European Union reached a deal Thursday May 20 on the use of Covid-19 certificates in order to open up tourism across the 27 nations a part of the European Union.

The decision was made after fourth round of negotiations between European Parliament and EU President Portugal representing member states.

These certificates will be free and will be a QR code placed on a smartphone or paper that allows authorities to determine status of a visitor based off records in their home European country, by showing if a person had been vaccinated, tested negative, or any immunity if recovered from previously having Covid-19.

"Lawmakers had wanted countries to commit to free testing for the certificate and said that no EU country should set additional quarantine requirements,"

according to Reuters.

“This new certificate could be the key to unlocking international travel and save thousands of businesses and millions of jobs across Europe and beyond.” WTTC Senior Vice President Virginia Messina stated. “It will see all 27 member states welcoming vaccinated travelers and those with proof of a negative test or a positive antibody test in time for the peak summer season, which will provide a massive and much-needed boost to economies."

The European Commission has also committed to use 100 million euros ($120 million) of it's emergency support fund to help make tests affordable.

According to Messina, “We call on all Member States to have the certificate up and running by July 1 with no extra restrictions.”

However, this plan is different from plans to open up the European Union to fully vaccinated people who aren't residents of Europe.