Free travel to southern European sun destinations? The EU wants a vaccination passport soon
EU member states are pressing for a vaccination passport to secure the right to ‘free travel’. Which is why the European Commission is coming with a legislative proposal this month. Greece, Malta and Portugal are the main drivers.
- The forthcoming proposal concerns ‘proof of vaccination against COVID-19’.
- The EU countries and the European Parliament then still have to agree, according to NU.nl.
According to Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, this European ‘digital green pass’ will be used more broadly. With it you could also show that you have recovered of been tested been (AD).
A vaccination passport driven by Greece, Malta and Portugal
The southern European sun destinations Greece, Malta and Portugal are the engineers and ambassadors of the vaccination passport.
Through prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greece asked for haste on a vaccination passport back in January. People who have been vaccinated then have the certainty that they can travel.
Shortly afterwards Greece was backed by Malta, in the words of prime minister Robert Abela: “The time is ripe for a vaccination passport.” Portugal is named as a ‘strong supporter’ too.
The idea is that the green pass gives the ‘green light’ for free travel. The southern European sun destinations hope that will let them welcome tourists again this coming summer.
A corona travel bubble
Greece has also formed a travel bubble with Israel. Because that country already uses green passes for the vaccinated.
A vaccination passport in Europe this coming summer?
If the EU member states and the European Parliament agree, there could be a European vaccination passport this summer.
the Netherlands responds with consensus politics. Prime minister Mark Rutte has no particular objection, but “in the Netherlands we really still have to have that debate.”
Criticism from France: young people may be shut out of travel abroad
France takes a more critical line and fears unfair situations and discrimination.
- President Emmanuel Macron points to young people keen to travel.
- They may not qualify for travel abroad, because they are only last in line for vaccination.
The vote comes later this month.
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