TIRANA, Aug 24 /ATA/ – A European Commission spokesperson told Deutsche Welle that the process of accession of the Balkan countries to the European Union’s system of digital COVID certificates and more countries will be connected to the EU’s system soon.
The digital COVID vaccination certificate became operational within the bloc since July 1.
The EU member states recognize the certificate and the certificate holders can travel freely. However, the Balkan countries have been excluded from the process to date.
Two days ago, the EU adopted decision to connect North Macedonia, Turkey and Ukraine to the EU’s system, meaning that the COVID certificates issued by North Macedonia, Turkey and Ukraine will be accepted in the EU.
Kosovo’s case is specific as the country has administered the coronavirus vaccines recognized by the EU only. Albania, which has also used the Chinese vaccine, as well as the vaccines recognized by the EU, namely Pfizer BioNTech or AstraZeneca, has yet to become part of the EU’s digital COVID certificate system. But this is set to change soon.
The Spokeswoman told Deutsche Welle that since the very onset of the pandemic, the EU has been committed to treat the Western Balkan countries as privileged partners through alignment with the EU mechanisms to fight the pandemic.
“We expect the Balkan countries to connect to our system. Meeting are being held with all these countries to verify the opportunities and the process is on. We expect to see other countries join the EU’s system soon,” she said.
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