The European Union called for the early recognition of COVID-certificates of third countries

Following the results of the first day of the summit in Brussels, the heads of state and government of the European Union called for easing restrictions on movement in the EU imposed due to the CORONAVIRUS pandemic, and also called for accelerating work on the mutual recognition of COVID-certificates with third countries, the statement said following the meeting. .

“In light of the evolving epidemiological situation, the European Council calls for further coordination to facilitate free movement within the EU and travel within the EU <...> The European Council also calls on the European Commission to intensify work with third countries on the mutual recognition of certificates,” the document says.

The European Council also added that the experience of the covid-19 pandemic should help European countries strengthen resilience and preparedness for such crises. “[The European Council] calls for the rapid removal of obstacles hindering the global deployment of vaccines, and invites the Commission to continue to engage directly with manufacturers in this regard,” they said.

The system of digital certificates about covid status was launched in the countries of the European Union on July 1: they can be used to certify the fact of receiving a vaccination, a negative test for a coronavirus infection, or that the owner has recently had it. The certificate allows you to travel between countries that recognize its validity, without additional checks. EU states will have to refrain from any restrictions on certificate holders unless it is required for urgent medical reasons. The document can be accessed as a QR code, an electronic copy on a smartphone or on paper.