Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are due to vote on fast-tracking the approval process of proposed Covid-19 travel certificates, which could allow for greater travel within the EU.
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune confirmed the vote on 'Digital Green Certificates' will take place during the European Parliament's plenary session later this week.
The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen today asked that MEPs agree to fast-track the negotiations, according to a statement from Ms Clune.
"The Digital Green Certificate or vaccination cert will make travel safer and easier across Europe by providing uniform proof that those travelling has been vaccinated against Covid-19, have tested negative or developed immunity," Ms Clune said.
She added that if approved, the Covid certificates could be adopted by June, allowing the new system to be "put into use for the summer travel season".
It is understood the certificates would allow EU citizens who have been inoculated with a vaccine approved for use in the EU, those who have recently tested negative for Covid-19 prior to travel, and those who have recently recovered from the virus to travel without the need for quarantining upon arrival in another EU member state.
Health and safety remains our first priority.
It is also believed individual member states will be permitted to offer the same benefits to people who are inoculated with vaccines approved in that country, such as the Sputnik V vaccine, which is currently approved for use in Hungary, but has not yet been cleared by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for wider use in the EU.
Ms Clune questioned this, believing only EMA approved shots should be included.
"In my view, this certificate should only cover Covid-19 vaccines approved by the EMA, as health and safety remains our first priority."
However, Ms Clune said she would be supporting the fast-track procedure, adding: "Proper scrutiny of the proposal is required, but all efforts must be made to begin negotiations in earnest, so it can be put to use to benefit the tourism and travel sectors as soon as possible."
Before the plenary vote is held, a discussion regarding the EU's vaccine rollout will take place on Tuesday between the European Medicines Board chief, Emer Cooke and the Committee on Public Health, of which Ms Clune is a member.
