Briefing 
 

EU Digital COVID Certificate: plenary to decide on one-year extension 

MEPs will adopt their position on prolonging the validity of the EU Digital COVID Certificate beyond June 2022, ahead of talks with the member states.

The EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) was adopted in June 2021 to facilitate free movement in Europe during the pandemic for a period of 12 months. The scheme is set to expire on 30 June 2022.

In February, the Commission introduced proposals to extend the validity of the EUDCC for another year. This would also allow member states to grant test certificates based on new types of antigen assay tests. The Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee adopted its position on 28 April, asking for a review of the scheme in six months. MEPs also emphasise that EUDCC holders should not have their free movement restricted in the EU unless absolutely necessary.

The decision to enter into negotiations with the Council and the Commission will be announced at the opening of the plenary session. If MEPs object, the decision will be put to the vote on Thursday 5 May.

Procedure: 2022/0031(COD), 2022/0030(COD)

Topic: Free movement

Specialist: Janne

Procedure: Ordinary legislative procedure (COD)