European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shows a phone, as she gives a press statement on the new COVID-19 digital travel certificate at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels. (Johanna Geron/Pool Photo via AP)
A dozen European Union members have established a digital vaccine passport to allow travel within member nations. Reports on Wednesday detailed the so-called EU Digital COVID Certificate, which was officially signed into regulation on Monday.
The free mobile app uses a QR code to prove if a traveler has received a COVID-19 vaccine, has recently tested negative or has already contracted the virus and recovered. The passport also allows travelers moving within the EU to avoid restrictions such as quarantines.
The #EUCOVIDcertificate was just signed into law!
✅ It was agreed between EU institutions in the record time of 62 days.
The Certificate will enable us to travel more safely this summer!#StrongerTogether 🇪🇺
— European Commission 🇪🇺 (@EU_Commission) June 14, 2021
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen claimed the mobile app will revive the spirit of European citizens by reinstating their freedom to travel.
“This certificate is a symbol of an open and digital Europe,” she explained. “…It will give Europeans back the freedoms they value and cherish so much.”
The remaining EU nations, as well as four other countries, are expected to begin using the app by July 1. An EU spokesperson said the passport will be available to U.S. citizens as well.
Source: One America News Network
