The European Union plans to launch digital coronavirus vaccination certificates in June. Citizens of third countries, including the Western Balkans, also have the opportunity to obtain this document when traveling. However, European Commission spokesman Cristian Wigand recalled that non-essential travel by third-country nationals remains banned.
"Those who can currently travel will also be able to obtain a green digital certificate, requesting it from the state in which they travel. Member states must evaluate vaccination evidence and issue a digital certificate," said EC spokesman Wigand. EU digital certificates will contain information about vaccination, negative PCR test or the presence of antibodies. The European Commission also said that, soon, the citizens of third countries will be recognized the vaccination certificates issued by their countries, but this, according to European officials, requires harmonization of the system of issuing these documents with the European requirements.
"With this, third-country certificates will be accepted in the EU in the same way as digital green certificates issued by the EU," Wigand said. The EU has been criticized for its slow coronavirus vaccination campaign, but European officials have blamed supply problems.
On Sunday, Kosovo received the first doses of vaccines, while on Tuesday it is expected to launch an immunization campaign.
Other Western Balkan countries have already started vaccination.