Possibility of vaccine certificate implementation being put into practice in Europe

Discussions on a” vaccine passport “or” vaccine certificate” began in January with a letter from Greek Prime Minister to the EU administration. PM Micotakis proposed establishing a documentation system that would be implemented throughout the EU to ensure that those who have the vaccine can travel comfortably.

The EU administration however has postponed the issue, arguing that it is too early for such a system. The justification for the postponement was that the system could reveal “legal discrimination.” It would be a legally problematic area if people who have not yet had access to the vaccine, or people who cannot be vaccinated on medical grounds, would not be able to take advantage of unrestricted travel.

But some countries, especially where tourism revenues are serious for their economies, advocate this practice and want to keep it on the agenda. Greece for instance is among the leading countries to propose said implementation.

In fact, Greece started a similar practice with Israel. A tourism agreement was reached between Israel and Greece, which has reached a high vaccination rate, allowing those with the Covid-19 vaccine to travel between the two countries without any restrictions.

Spain, another tourist country, also wants the vaccination passport implementation to be put into practice . Spain’s Economy Ministry has prepared a report stressing that it is vital to create “safe travel corridors” so that the country’s main economic activities can improve. “Progress on vaccination cards and the opening of borders are fundamental to economic recovery,” said Economy Minister Nadia Calvino.

Italy, another country with a high tourism income, wants to apply a vaccine passport so that it can return to normal as soon as possible. Regarding the issue, “Emergency Supply Commissioner” said the passport was “not a bad idea.”

Northern Europe begins preparations

Some northern European countries have already announced that they will start applications such as vaccination passports. Denmark and Sweden have announced plans to distribute “digital vaccine certificates” in a bid to boost tourism in the summer.

Those with this certificate would be able to go on business trips, sporting events, cultural activities, even restaurants, Danish officials said.

Iceland, which is not a member of the EU but is part of the Schengen area, has also started issuing digital documents to those who have been vaccinated from the end of January. It was announced that those who showed such a document on entry to Iceland would be exempt from restrictions at the border, and would not have to undergo a Covid-19 Test.

The Baltic country of Estonia has launched a pilot project and stated those who show evidence of vaccination would not be quarantined. Estonia has also begun work on implementing a possible digital vaccine certificate with the World Health Organization.Ar

Position of France, Germany, Belgium and Poland regarding the issue

Some EU countries, on the other hand, oppose the idea of a vaccine certificate. One of them, France, is citing that not everyone can have access to the vaccine.

Olivier Veran, the French Health Minister has said in regards that the debate should be held several months later as it is not yet known exactly how protective the vaccines are.

Germany also does not defend the proposal, but suggests that it cannot be legally blocked if the private sector implements it. “If a restaurant owner opens its doors to people who have been vaccinated only, it would be difficult to prevent this in the current legal situation,” said Christine Lambrecht, Germany’s Justice Minister.

Belgian Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmes said such practice would lead to discrimination among EU citizens. Recalling that everyone’s access to the vaccine will not be possible in a short time, Wilmes said that the individual freedoms of people who have not been vaccinated cannot be blocked in cross-border travel if the application is started.

Among the countries that are not currently considering switching to a vaccine passport is Poland. But the Polish government ensures that those vaccinated with a developed smartphone app will not be quarantined on arrival in the country.