Advertisement

EU to propose ‘digital green pass’ as proof a person has been vaccinated

Click to play video: 'Coronavirus outbreak: Could immunity passports become the new normal?'
Coronavirus outbreak: Could immunity passports become the new normal?
WATCH: Could immunity passports become the new normal? – May 4, 2020

The European Commission will present a proposal in March on creating an EU-wide digital COVID-19 vaccination passport that may allow Europeans to travel more freely over the peak summer holiday period.

Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced the coming legislative proposal in a speech to German conservative lawmakers on Monday, providing a few more details in subsequent tweets.

The “digital green pass” would provide proof that a person has been vaccinated, results of tests for those not yet vaccinated and information on recovery for people who have contracted COVID-19.

“The aim is to gradually enable them to move safely in the European Union or abroad – for work or tourism,” she said in a tweet.

Story continues below advertisement
Click to play video: 'Coronavirus: Trudeau opposes vaccine passports in Canada, says it would have ‘divisive impacts’'
Coronavirus: Trudeau opposes vaccine passports in Canada, says it would have ‘divisive impacts’

EU leaders agreed last week to work on vaccine certificates, for which southern countries such as Spain and Greece are pushing to unlock tourism this summer.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

However, a number of countries say it will first need to be established that vaccinated people cannot transmit the virus to others. Some countries, such as France and Belgium, also expressed concern that easing travel only for inoculated people would be unfair.

Click to play video: 'Boris Johnson says there ‘may be a role’ for coronavirus vaccine passports in U.K.'
Boris Johnson says there ‘may be a role’ for coronavirus vaccine passports in U.K.

The Commission said it would seek to avoid discrimination against citizens who have not received a vaccine.

Story continues below advertisement

EU countries agreed in January on the basic data requirements of a vaccination certificate. A Commission spokesman said the EU executive would seek to coordinate on security standards and help connect the national health systems.

Sponsored content

AdChoices