Answer given by Mr Reynders on behalf of the European Commission
11.6.2021
The purpose of the Digital Green Certificate is to facilitate the exercise of free movement. The possession of a Digital Green Certificate (in particular a vaccination certificate), should not be a pre-condition for the exercise of free movement. All EU citizens have a fundamental right to free movement in the EU and this applies regardless of whether they are vaccinated or not.
By not limiting the Digital Green Certificate to vaccination certificates and including also test certificates and certificates for persons who have recovered from COVID-19, the Commission proposal ensures that as many persons as possible are able to benefit from a Digital Green Certificate when travelling within the EU.
This includes persons who are not vaccinated, for example for medical reasons, or because they have not yet had the opportunity or do not wish to be vaccinated.
Such persons can profit from the benefits of an interoperable and mutually accepted Digital Green Certificates by undergoing a test for SARS-CoV-2 infection, using a test certificate based on a negative test when travelling. Where they have received a positive test, they will be able to obtain a certificate of recovery.
In view of the above, the Commission does not see the need for a fourth certificate.