Reply
26.11.2021
The regulation on the EU digital COVID certificate[1], as adopted, includes references to the principle of equal access to the certificates including for vulnerable persons, such as persons with disabilities or with limited access to digital technologies.
According to Article 3 paragraph 2 of the regulation, Member States, or designated bodies acting on their behalf, shall issue the certificates in a digital or paper-based format, or both. The prospective holders shall be entitled to receive the certificates in the format of their choice.
In addition, Recital 18 of the regulation states that the prospective holders should be entitled to receive the certificates in the format of their choice. This would allow them to request to receive a paper copy of the certificate, or to receive it in a digital format to be stored and displayed on a mobile device, or both. Member States should issue the certificates making up the EU Digital COVID Certificate automatically or upon request, ensuring that they can be obtained easily and swiftly.
- [1] Regulation (EU) 2021/953 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2021 on a framework for the issuance, verification and acceptance of interoperable COVID-19 vaccination, test and recovery certificates (EU Digital COVID Certificate) to facilitate free movement during the COVID-19 pandemic; OJ L 211, 15.6.2021, p. 1.