To burst travel bubble in Europe, European Commission proposes COVID 19 certificate

Brussels, Mar 18: The European Commission has proposed for a COVID 19 certificate called 'Digital Green Certificate' on on Mar 17, covering the details regarding the COVID 19 vaccination, testing and recovery. The decision was taken in order to reopen the European Union (EU) for travel in a safe, sustainable and predictable manner.

 

 

 

The COVID 19 certificate is an approach by the European Union (EU) to issue, verify and accept the certificates, so as to facilitate a free movement within the European Union. The legislative proposal was put forward on the basis of strict respect for non-discrimination and the fundamental rights of the citizens of European Union. The commission would also allow the possibility to extend compatible certificates which have been issued in other countries.

 

 

The European Commission has proposed to define and implement the technical framework for the COVID 19 certificate at the European Union level, by mid-June 2021. It was proposed so that security and inter-operability is properly checked. The commission would also be looking towards full compliance with the personal data protection and its safeguards.

 

 

The Digital Green Certificate will cover three types of certificates namely, test certificates such as the NAAT or RT-PCR test or a rapid antigen test, vaccination certificates, and certificates for persons who have already recovered from the COVID 19 infection. It will be issued in a digital format as well as on paper. Both the format of certificate will comprise of a QR code which will provide key information and a digital signature so as to ensure that the certificate is authentic.