European airlines criticize EU measure to reduce EU COVID-19 digital certificate validity to 9 months

The representative of the European airlines, Airlines for Europe (A4E), called on EU governments to refuse to introduce new travel restrictions and to maintain freedom of movement in the 27 countries of the European Union.

In a press release, A4E reacted harshly to the EU Commission's decision to shorten the validity of vaccination certificates and to request a third dose (booster dose) in order to maintain full vaccination status so that it can travel through the 27 countries.

In addition, Airlines for Europe (A4E) welcomed the proposal to abolish the white list starting in March 2022. According to the authority, this change will improve predictability for international travelers planning their trips by establishing clear rules on travel requirements.

However, A4E does not agree with the ECDC color coding classification. According to the press release, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), travel restrictions do not affect the spread of COVID-19 in Europe. Thus, the implementation of the color-coding system is unnecessary and governments should impose entry rules based on the vaccination status of travelers.

Recently, ECDC said the situation in COVID-19 in the 27 countries is worse than ever. Based on the recent statement, the European Health Agency has shown that most EU Member States - Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, half of Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Ireland, Iceland, Poland, the Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania, Greece, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Slovenia and Slovakia - are currently on the dark red list.