European Commission proposes Covid-19 certificate

The European Commission, on March 17, 2021,  has proposed for a Covid-19 certificate called “Digital Green Certificate” covering the details regarding the Covid-19 vaccination, testing and recovery.

Highlights

This decision was taken in order to reopen the European Union (EU) for travel in a safe, sustainable and predictable manner. The Covid-19 certificate is an approach by European Union to issue, verify and accept the certificates so as to facilitate a free movement within the European Union. This legislative proposal was put forward on the basis of strict respect for non-discrimination and the fundamental rights of the citizens of European Union. The commission would also allow the possibility to extend the compatible certificates which have been issued in other countries.

When it will be implemented?

The European Commission has proposed to define and implement the technical framework for the covid-19 certificate at the European Union level by mid-June 2021. It was proposed so that security and interoperability is property checked. The commission would also be looking towards the full compliance with the personal data protection and its safeguards.

About the Digital Green Certificate

This certificate will cover three types of certificates namely, test certificates (NAAT or RT-PCR test or a rapid antigen test), vaccination certificates, and certificates for persons who already recovered from COVID-19 infection. It will be issued in a digital format and well as on paper. Both the format of certificate will comprise of a QR code which will provide key information and a digital signature so as to ensure that the certificate is authentic. A gateway and support Member States will be established to develop software using which the authorities will verify all certificate signatures across the EU. The personal data of the certificate holders will neither pass through the gateway nor will be retained by verifying Member State. The certificates would be issued free of charge in official language or language of the issuing member states as well as in English.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2021