Question for written answer E-000223/2021 to the Commission Rule 138 Laura Ferrara (NI), Mario Furore (NI)
Subject: ‘Vaccine passport’ in order to travel
One of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic is the restriction of freedom of movement both inside and outside the EU.
The issue of mobility needs to be resolved as soon as possible in order to pave the way for a return to some kind of economic and social normality.
The proposal put forward by some Member States to establish an EU-wide vaccination passport or health certificate, allowing people to travel also to countries outside Europe, is therefore an option that should be explored and encouraged.
Vaccination would not become compulsory or a prerequisite for travel, but vaccinated people could be free to travel.
This proposal would thus give a great boost to the economy and encourage the resumption of international tourism.
In view of this, can the Commission say:
1. whether it intends to coordinate Member States with a view to drawing up a common European vaccination certificate (a sort of health passport certifying vaccination), to be used for travel in the coming months;
2. what further measures it intends to take to ensure better coordination between Member States as regards vaccination?