COVID-19 Digital Certificates to Signal 'Freedom and Mobility' Across the EU, German Official Says

The programme is set to be rolled out in June and will aim to restart the tourism industry under the EU's "common management ability", according to a top official in Europe's 27-member bloc.

The European Union COVID-19 digital certificate would represent "freedom and mobility" across the region, German state minister for Europe Michael Roth said on Tuesday as reported by Reuters.

The comments were made at a General Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, which saw ministers discuss "green certificates" used to verify people had received COVID-19 vaccines and tests.

"This is not only important for countries depending on tourism but for all of us: It is ... a clear signal for freedom of movement and for mobility in the European Union. We should send a clear message that we are making progress. This is very important with a view to the summer," Roth said at the meeting in Brussels.

The news comes amid efforts to roll out coronavirus jabs and test and trace travellers, allowing nations such as Greece, Israel, Iceland and others to reopen their borders to tourists amid the ongoing pandemic.

European Parliament approved COVID-19 certificates last month, which would ease freedom of movement around the bloc. Details of the certificates are still being discussed by lawmakers and are expected to conclude within a few weeks, according to Roth.