The EU Parliament and Council agree on the digital Covid certificate

To enter in force on 1 July

On 20 May 2021, the European Commission welcomes provisional political agreement between the European Parliament and the Council on the Regulation governing the EU digital Covid certificate. This ensures that the final form of the certificate (previously known as the Digital Green Certificate) is on target to be completed by the end of June.

The agreement was reached in record time, less than two months after the Commission submitted its request. Commissioner Didier Reynders led the Commission's certificate negotiations in close collaboration with Vice-Presidents Vera Jourová and Margaritis Schinas, as well as Commissioners Thierry Breton, Stella Kyriakides, and Ylva Johansson.

It would give EU citizens freedom to travel

President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her enthusiasm at the rapid progress: “The EU Digital COVID Certificate fully respects citizens' fundamental rights, including protection of personal data. The EU Digital COVID Certificate, available in paper or digital format, will make it easier for Europeans to travel - whether to see their families and loved ones or to get some well-deserved rest. Work still remains. is now crucial that all Member States press ahead with the roll-out of their national systems to ensure that the system can be up and running as soon as possible.”

Following the European Parliament's and Council's agreement, the EU Digital COVID Certificate:

• Will include vaccination, testing, and recovery;
• Will be available in both digital and paper formats, depending on the recipients' preferences, and will include a digitally signed QR code.
• Would be free, simple to receive, and applicable to people who were vaccinated before the EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation went into effect.
• Can also be used for national purposes by Member States if provided for in national law;
• Member States shall not impose additional travel restrictions on holders of an EU Digital COVID Certificate unless required and proportionate to protect public health.
• In addition, the Commission would mobilise 100 million euros to assist Member States in delivering accessible studies.

The European Parliament and the Council must now officially adopt the political agreement. The Regulation will take effect on 1 July, with a six-week transition period for Member States that need additional time to issue certificates.

Simultaneously, the Commission will continue to assist Member States in finalising their national solutions for issuing and verifying EU Digital COVID Certificates, as well as providing technical and financial assistance to Member States as they implement the gateway.