Assita Kanko on the approval of the EU Digital COVID Certificate: “Now it’s up to the Member States to let their citizens have a well-deserved holiday”

On Tuesday, the European Parliament approved the EU Digital COVID Certificate. MEP Assita Kanko responds with satisfaction, but warns of further chaos. “On paper, the system looks good and workable with clear safeguards for privacy, but plans don’t yet make a building. European citizens must be properly informed and supported, and we must make adjustments where necessary, but the summer belongs to us all.”

On Tuesday, the European Parliament approved the EU Digital COVID Certificate. It is a unique QR Code, digital or on paper, with which you can prove that you have been vaccinated, are immune after recovery from the disease or have a recent negative PCR test. It makes it easier for you to travel. The EU Digital COVID Certificate is to come into effect from 1 July.

Clarity instead of chaos

MEP Assita Kanko is satisfied with the vote. “What you need to have today to travel, for work or pleasure, is becoming much clearer. Hopefully, there won’t be too many teething troubles with the introduction. We must not replace one kind of chaos with another, and so must stay on top of things when things threaten to go awry.”

Replacing a jumble with a uniform approach

According to Assita Kanko, mainly chaos and confusion currently prevail. “It is still difficult to visit family and friends abroad. The EU Digital COVID Certificate is a temporary solution with the potential to replace the jumble of systems and rules in the EU with a unified approach.”

Temporary but necessary path to more freedom and economic recovery

The EU Digital COVID Certificate is not a panacea, but an instrument that must help get the tourism sector and the economy back on track, MEP Assita Kanko says. “The N-VA supports the hospitality industry, the tourism sector and the freedom of movement of citizens and therefore votes in favour of the EU Digital COVID Certificate. This certificate must ensure clearer agreements and a predictable summer for citizens and entrepreneurs. It is a temporary, but necessary, path to more freedom and economic recovery.”

The summer belongs to us all

Now it’s up to the Member States, Assita Kanko concludes. “On paper, the system looks good and workable with clear safeguards for privacy, but plans don’t yet make a building. Citizens must be properly informed and supported, and we must make adjustments where necessary, but the summer belongs to us all.”