EU endorses digital COVID certificate for EU citizens

European Union lawmakers on Wednesday endorsed a new travel certificate that will allow people to move between European countries without having to quarantine or undergo extra tests for the coronavirus, paving the way for the pass to enter force in time for summer. The new regulations governing the use of the document were adopted in two votes at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

Rules for EU nationals were passed by 546 votes to 93, with 51 abstentions. Those for people from outside Europe were passed by 553 votes to 91, with 46 abstentions. It means that from July 1, and for 12 months, all EU countries must recognize the certificate. Several countries have already begun introducing the system, including Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece and Poland.