The European Parliament has approved its retention European digital certificate COVID for another year, until June 2023.
According to a statement to ensure that EU citizens can enjoy their right to free movement regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic, Parliament approved the decision of the Committee on Civil Liberties to start negotiations with the Member States. extending the status of the European Digital Certificate COVID (EUDCC), which expires on 30 June, for a further 12 months.
MEPs adopted the resolutions to open negotiations on the extension with 432 votes in favor, 130 against and 23 abstentions (EU citizens) and 441 votes in favor, 132 votes against and 20 abstentions (third-country nationals).
At the same time, with the extension of the EUDCC until 30 June 2023, the changes also allow Member States to issue diagnostic certificates based on new types of antigen tests.
Review after six months
MEPs amended the current proposals to emphasize that Member States should avoid additional restrictions on the free movement of European certification holders, unless absolutely necessary. If restrictions are required, they should be limited and proportionate, based on the latest scientific advice from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the EU Health and Safety Committee.
They also ask the European Commission to assess after six months whether the EUDCC status is still necessary and proportionate. MEPs want the period of application of the regulation to be as short as possible and to be abolished as soon as the epidemiological situation allows.
Next steps
Negotiations with the Council to reach an agreement on the extension can begin immediately, so that the rules enter into force before the end of the current regime on 30 June.
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