EU’s Digital Green Certificate No Risk to Personal Data 

EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides

Data protection is a top priority for the European Commission, confirmed European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, with regard to the Digital Green Certificate, which once approved will enable post-Covid-19 travel. 

In an interview to Greek public broadcaster ET1, Kyriakides said she was confident the Commission’s proposal for an EU-wide vaccination certificate would be ratified next week and be in place by June.

“I believe that, as we have consulted with the member states, it will move forward,” she said, adding that the certificate has been carefully designed and respects the protection of personal data.

Source: European Commission

Earlier this week, Kyriakides admitted that the situation was still very challenging in Europe, adding that “it is only through a joint approach that we can return safely to full free movement in the EU, based on transparent measures and full mutual confidence”.

Speaking on Greek television, she stressed the importance of instilling a sense of security in citizens so that they can “gradually return to a ‘new normal’ this summer”.

The commissioner went on to add that the Digital Green Certificate will be in place in the coming months. 

“I think it is feasible and the goal is to be able – especially for countries like Greece, which are waiting for the summer season – to facilitate the safe movement of citizens,” she said.

Photo source: EC – Audiovisual Service / Photograper: Xavier Lejeune

More specifically, the green certificate to be used ahead and during travel will validate holders’ vaccination against Covid-19, recovery, or negative test results.

Kyriakides underlined that the certificate will be a “flexible document that will be revised according to scientific and medical developments” with regard to Covid-19.

“We believe it will significantly facilitate a European approach that will ensure the gradual re-opening of the economy and of societies,” she said.