ACI Europe (29-Apr-2021) reported aviation, travel and tourism sector representative "fully welcome" the European Parliament vote on the EU's proposed Digital Green Certificate Regulation, setting trialogue negotiations between the Parliament, the Council and the European Commission into motion. ACI Europe stated swift action and alignment among the institutions is "now critical" in order to make the certificates operational by Jun-2021 and ensure reciprocity with non-EU systems. ACI added that the European Parliament's position brings forward important changes to the original proposal, including:
- A new name, "EU COVID-19 Certificate" has been agreed to make it clearer to EU citizens and also limit the certificates' use to during the pandemic.
- Free and accessible testing: Testing is absolutely key in the fight against COVID-19, and the requirement to conduct pre-departure tests (often PCR) should not create an economic distortion between travellers. With tests ranging from EUR10 to EUR150, it is clear that such high costs could become a deterrent to travel - in particular among families;
- Full equality among vaccinated and tested citizens: No additional measures such as quarantine or further testing should be imposed on travellers presenting a valid "EU COVID-19 Certificate". [more - original PR]