Search icon

News

02nd Mar 2021

EU to propose vaccine passports that would allow people to travel more freely this summer

James Fenton

The European Union is working on a proposal that includes introducing a Covid-19 vaccine passport system, which would allow Europeans to travel more freely this summer.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the proposal yesterday, saying that the vaccine passport or ‘digital green pass’ will “facilitate Europeans’ lives” and will provide:

  • Proof that a person has been vaccinated
  • Results of tests for those who couldn’t get a vaccine yet
  • Info on Covid-19 recovery

She added that ‘the aim is to gradually enable them to move safely in the European Union or abroad – for work or tourism.’

Reacting to von der Leyen’s comments last night, Ireland’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronan Glynn said that while Irish officials will be part of the EU discussions, “it’s too early at this point to discuss the utility of it.”

France and Belgium have also expressed concern about the system, saying that easing travel only for inoculated people would be unfair. The EU proposal on Covid-19 vaccine passports will be presented later this month.

READ NEXT: Ireland involved in bids to host both the football and rugby World Cups in the early 2030s

Topics: