The European Parliament has supported the introduction of an EU digital certificate which proves that its holder has been vaccinated against Covid-19, has tested negative to coronavirus or has recovered from the disease, which will facilitate travel in the EU.

Members of the European Parliament approved at a plenary session on Tuesday evening the introduction of green digital certificates as of 1 July.

The proposal was endorsed for EU citizens by 546 votes in favor, 93 against and 51 abstentions and for citizens of non-EU countries with 553 votes for, 91 against and 46 abstentions, the European Parliament said on Wednesday.

The proposal was put forward by the European Commission on 17 March, after which the procedure for introducing the certificate under fast-track procedure was launched.

The digital Covid-19 certificate, to be used over a period of 12 months, will be issued by national authorities and will be available in digital and paper form and contain a QR code.