Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović has said that it is still unknown how the announced COVID certificates for free movement within the EU will be recognised for countries outside the EU, including Serbia.
In her written statement to Tanjug, Joksimović has said that if such a certificate were to apply to countries outside the EU as well, Serbian citizens who have received vaccines other than those approved by the European Medicines Agency would be able to travel in the EU with a certificate on the negative PCR test or the presence of antibodies.
The Minister has recalled that it was announced that, on 17 March, the European Commission will present a proposal for introducing digital COVID certificates for free movement within the EU, which, in accordance with the procedure, should subsequently be adopted by the European Parliament and the EU Council in co-decision.
She has said that, as announced, this certificate will include proof of vaccination stating only the vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency, but also negative PCR tests and presence of antibodies.
The Minister has stated that the certificate is planned to refer primarily to EU member states, so as to harmonise the practice among the member states.
“It is still unknown how certificates will be recognised for countries outside the EU, including us as an acceding country, but it has been announced that the EC will cooperate with the World Health Organisation on the matter”, said Joksimović.
She believes that, at the moment, vaccination is a priority, using all available vaccines which Serbian citizens can chose and which, according to her, are completely safe and effective.
“I hope that the EU will also find a way to ensure the protection of the fundamental values of the Union, which are hit by the challenges the pandemic has brought, because only if we join forces on the European continent can we fight the pandemic”, noted Joksimović.
Source: Tanjug
