Austria will be a pioneer in the European Union in introducing a digital “Green Certificate” to enable safe travel during the coronavirus pandemic, said Health Minister Rudolf Anschober.
Freedom to travel has been severely restricted since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The goal is a quick and practicable solution for safe travel and holiday opportunities again. That is why Austria submitted a proposal to the EU Commission to introduce a digital “Green Certificate”.
On March 17, the EU Commission presented a proposal regulation for a “Green Certificate”. They are going to introduce the “Green Certificate” at the beginning of June, but Austria does not want to wait for the implementation of the EU. In Austria, it should be implemented in April. The legal basis for the implementation was decided in the National Council.
“A digital solution that provides information about vaccinations, test results or infection is the key to being able to travel again. It is crucial that the “Green Certificate” is recognized throughout Europe and that it comes as quickly as possible. The sooner the better. Moreover, without guests there is no tourism!”, said Tourism Minister Elisabeth Köstinger. She invited 12 Tourism Ministers to a virtual summit on March 29, 2021 to discuss common priorities with clear criteria for the “Green Certificate” regarding tourism.
The 12 EU member states and Austria agreed that common priorities with clear criteria should be drawn up and presented to the European Commission by Easter.
