EU Digital COVID Certificate: Commission adopts second report on impact and implementation across the EU

Today, the European Commission has adopted the second report on the EU Digital COVID Certificate’s impact and implementation across the EU. The report shows that since the launch of the system in July 2021, Member States have issued over 1.7 billion EU Digital COVID Certificates, facilitating free movement at a time when travel was restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also shows how the EU Certificate has become a global standard, connecting not only the 27 EU Member States, but also 35 third countries to the EU system. Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, said: “More than 1.7 billion certificates have been issued to date. The EU Digital COVID Certificate has proven to be a reliable and easy-to-use tool, allowing citizens to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the situation evolves, the Commission is working to ensure a swift return to unrestricted free movement. We urge Member States to lift the last remaining travel restrictions – particularly where domestic measures are also being lifted.” In February 2022, the Commission proposed to extend the EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation until 30 June 2023. The proposed extension aims to ensure its operability beyond its initial expiry date of June 2022, as it is unclear to date how the situation will evolve after the summer. More information on the EU Digital COVID Certificate is available on the dedicated website and this Q&A.