Rapid steps towards a digital green certificate

In March 2021, the European Commission put forward a legislative proposal on a 'digital green certificate' that aims to facilitate free movement within the EU. The certificate would be available for Union citizens and their family members to indicate that they have either received a Covid-19 vaccine, had a recent negative test result, or have recovered from Covid-19. The proposal is complemented by another legislative proposal, which ensures that same rules apply to third-country nationals in the EU. With a view to the introduction of the certificate by summer 2021, the European Parliament decided to discuss the proposal under the urgent procedure. The Council has already agreed a mandate for negotiations. Parliament is expected to adopt its position during its April 2021 session so that interinstitutional negotiations can start as soon as possible thereafter in order to have the framework in place by summer 2021.