Tourists from the United States who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 will be able to return to the European Union this summer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday 25 April.
“The Americans, as far as I can see, are using vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency. This will allow free movement and travel to the European Union”, she said in an interview with the New York Times. “For one thing is clear: all 27 Member States will accept, without condition, all those vaccinated with EMA-approved vaccines”, she added.
Asked about the issue, the Commission clarified on Monday that any authorisation to receive foreign tourists in the EU would necessarily require a change in the EU Council recommendation on non-essential travel restrictions to the EU for non-Member States nationals and would have to be approved by Member States.
In addition, with a view to facilitating the movement of vaccinated persons, discussions are underway between the EU and the United States, but also other third countries, on the recognition of digital green certificates, while the EU aims to make its own tool operational at the end of June. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)