The travel and tourism sector, together with the aviation sector, have applauded the European Union Parliament for voting the ‘EU COVID-19 Certificates’ after the latter gave the green light to the establishment of the certificate that would allow restoring safe travel within the bloc.

In a press release issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), it was explained that all three EU institutions, the Parliament, the Council and the European Commission, have aligned their support for these certificates, which would allow restoring free movement for EU citizens in time for summer. In addition, all three institutions have agreed that a standardised and simple approach is needed to restore safe and sustainable travel.

“Swift action and alignment among the institutions is now critical in order to make the certificates operational by June and ensure reciprocity with non-EU systems,” Brussels said on April 29.

Moreover, it was pointed out that secured and General Data Protection Regulation -compliant certificates are an essential instrument to facilitate free movement within the EU, worldwidecollege.in reports.

The Parliament put forward essential changes in the original proposal, which include:

• A new name for the Digital Green Certificate: from now on the so-called “Digital Green Certificate” will be named “EU COVID-19 Certificate” with the aim of making the concept clearer for the citizens of the EU as well as limit the use of the certificates between countries outside of the EU during the Coronavirus pandemic.
• Free and convenient testing: testing is a crucial element in order to fight the COVID-19 spread. Thus, the requirement to undergo PCR testing before departure should not create an economic distortion. With such high costs ranging from €10 to €150, the travel can be restrained, especially for families.
• Equality among vaccinated and tested citizens: additional measures such as quarantine or further testing will no longer be imposed on travellers presenting EU COVID-19 Certificate.

IATA highlighted that through the proposed modifications, the Parliament sends out a powerful message upon the urgent need to restore free movement across the EU, as it is equally important for holidaymakers as well as cross-border workers and citizens who will be able to visit their families to feel safe while travelling once the certificates are functional.

According to a recent worldwidecollege.in survey, 74 per cent of the participants claimed that the first trip they would take after there are no longer border restrictions would be to visit family members and friends. Another 87 per cent of them stated that they need to take a trip outside their country as soon as the COVID-19 situation is under control and travel can be restored safely.