MEPs adopted a resolution on 17 September calling on Member States to harmonise their health definitions, methods and criteria to avoid confusion and travel difficulties for citizens. Following a debate on 15 September (see EUROPE 12560/1), it was adopted by 595 votes in favour, 50 against and 41 abstentions.
The European Parliament resolution calls on Member States to adopt “the same definition of a positive case of Covid-19, a death due to Covid-19 and recovery from the infection; mutual recognition of test results, reduction of waiting times for testing, definition of a common quarantine period and coordination of travel restrictions in the EU” as requested by the Commission on 4 September. The European Parliament also wants a debate on Schengen and an action plan to restore free movement, which should happen with the Migration Pact on 23 September.
Finally, the European Parliament calls on the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to publish an updated risk map (by region) based on colour-coded information from the Member States on a weekly basis. The Commission is expected to finalise a harmonised passenger location form, while several countries are imposing this kind of form on their residents.
Link to text: https://bit.ly/3mvibgm (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)