The Digital Green Certificate is a necessary step on the way out of the Covid crisis, making a controlled easing of national and regional lockdown measures possible. Work on the legislative proposal is under way in the European Parliament as well, to ensure it is in place this summer. The Renew Europe Group wants to make sure all Europeans have equal access to a certificate, and this must include measures to ensure the affordability of Covid testing.
While vaccination is mostly free of charge, the price of testing can be very high. In combination with certification requirements, this might well create inequalities among Europeans and unnecessary obstacles to free movement. A situation we need to avoid.
Renew Europe Renew Europe ask to table a resolution on the cost of Covid tests to accompany the Digital Green certificate.
Renew Europe President Dacian Cioloş said:
“The possibility for everyone to regain their freedom to travel will be one of the main signs for European citizens of a return to normality. It would be unfair to reserve this right only for those who can afford it. It is therefore essential that the price of covid tests is accessible to as many people as possible. Let’s not create new inequalities. “
LIBE-coordinator Sophie in ’t Veld (D66, NL) continues:
“Freedom of movement is not a commodity for the rich only. Therefore we propose a number of free tests for each citizen, and a temporary price cap. Europe has capped the price of essential goods before, from roaming costs to credit card fees.”
Source Renew Europe: Affordable Covid tests must accompany Digital Green Certificate, say Renew Europe