EU and travel

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is supporting an initiative from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to agree a common digital European Covid-19 vaccination certificate that would enable those who are vaccinated to travel freely within Europe without Covid-19 testing.

In an open letter to Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, and copied to key policy makers across the EU, IATA director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac called on EU States to coordinate a policy that would see Europe safely gain the economic and social benefits of renewed freedom of movement, beginning with those who are vaccinated.

"Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ initiative should be urgently adopted by the Commission and all member states. Vaccination is a fundamental key to safely reopening borders and stimulating economic recovery. A pan-European mutually recognised vaccination certificate would be an important step towards giving governments the confidence to safely open their borders, and passengers the confidence to fly without the barrier of quarantine,” said de Juniac.

The Greek proposal is for a harmonised vaccination certificate that could contribute “to the re-establishment of mobility on a global scale, which is the foundation for re-establishing economic activity to pre-crisis levels.” The requirement for a harmonised safe aviation restart is more urgent than ever in the face of renewed lockdowns and travel restrictions across the world.

The EU Heads of State met on Thursday 21 January and Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ proposal was discussed. “We should be able to agree on common elements to include in a certificate for medical purposes,” European Council President  Charles Michel told Reuters, noting leaders were cautious on the matter, which has divided countries over the past weeks.

Whilst the UK is outside Europe it will be interesting to see Downing Street’s reaction if the proposal is accepted.

www.iata.org

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Brother Bartlett, United Kingdom

I still have my "International Certificate of Vaccination" Book issued in or about 1969. It is signed whenever I have an injections even for the flu! Entry is Completed with brand name, batch and signature where necessary. Surely the easy way out for world wide cover.