27/09/2021 (Agence Europe) – As promised in May when an interinstitutional agreement was reached over the EU Covid-19 digital certificate (see EUROPE 12723/1), on 27 September, the European Commission awarded €95 million in grants to 20 Member States in order that they could purchase Covid-19 diagnostic tests and facilitate the issuance of digital certificates, according to a statement that was given. This action forms part of its “commitment to promote affordable access to rapid and accurate testing for citizens who have not yet been fully vaccinated, especially those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons”. The grants have been funded by its Emergency Support Instrument (ESI); by early 2021, 20 million rapid tests had been purchased for Member States, said the Commission. To date, over 400 million Europeans have been issued a certificate. (SP)