The European Commission Representation in Ireland, the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland and EM Ireland this morning held a panel discussion on Ireland and the EU Digital COVID Certificate which aims to facilitate the safe free movement of citizens within the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic with effect from summer 2021.

Speaking at the event, Minister Ossian Smyth TD, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform said, “The EU Digital COVID Certificate is an important capability in facilitating the safe re-opening of travel across Europe. Ireland has been actively participating in the design and testing phases and we look forward to offering support for the COVID certificate from 19 July.”

Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland, Barbara Nolan commented, “The EU Digital COVID Certificate Framework, proposed by the Commission and approved by the Parliament and Council in record time, will be a real improvement for European citizens and their fundamental right to free movement. The Certificate will be a proof that a person has been vaccinated, recovered from COVID-19, or received a negative test result. It will be free of charge, secure and accessible to all. It is also fully in line with European values and principles such as data protection, inclusiveness and proportionality. The ball is now in the Member States’ court to ensure that the full system will be up and running by 1 July. In this way, the European Digital COVID Certificate can be a crucial instrument for the coordination of travel measures this summer, allowing citizens to travel safely.”

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