MEPs accepted on Thursday 25 March, by 468 votes to 203 with 16 abstentions, the Commission’s request to proceed urgently with the adoption of the regulation on the digital green certificate that seeks to restore free movement in the EU.
This urgency procedure makes it possible for the European Parliament to examine this regulation without drafting reports.
At the same time, MEPs accepted the version submitted by the Commission to apply this regulation to nationals of non-Member States. Again, the Commission requested urgency, which was accepted by 467 votes to 203 with 17 abstentions.
This regulation establishes the same provisions for third-country nationals residing or staying in the EU, who will therefore also be able to apply for this certificate in order to move within the Member States.
Parliament debated this digital green certificate (see EUROPE 12685/2) on 24 March. While it is generally well accepted, there are some doubts about the precise use that Member States will make of this tool and about the potential discrimination between those who have been vaccinated and those who have not.
Parliament’s negotiating mandate with the EU Council is expected to be adopted at the end of April, according to Parliament press release, to make the scheme operational in June, as requested by the Commission.
European Parliament President David Sassoli supports this tool, which will allow “those who are vaccinated to move around showing that pose less of a danger”. Those who are not vaccinated “will have to continue to comply with the rules and procedures in force”, said the Italian just after the vote, who sees the certificate as a way to support economies that “need to reopen”.
The Greens/EFA rejected this request, as the issues raised by this tool regarding data protection or risks of discrimination cannot be dealt with in a fast-track manner, explained Tineke Strik (the Netherlands).
Link to the regulation for third-country citizens: https://bit.ly/31kaT5L (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)