Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis took part in today’s video conference of the members of the European Council, which centered on the EU member states’ coordinated fight against the pandemic, the authorization, production and distribution of vaccines, as well as mobility matters.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the latest scientific data certify the high effectiveness of vaccines.
Referring to his proposal for the establishment of a European vaccination certificate, the Prime Minister said that the sooner decisions are made the better it would be for the EU. Otherwise, he added, the private sector will inevitably move in this direction.
If we do not act on this, at the EU level, then somebody else will do it for us, probably major tech companies, Kyriakos Mitsotakis said, while making clear that he supports the most limited possible use of citizens’ personal data.
The Prime Minister clarified that the certificate will not be the equivalent of a health passport. On the contrary, it will create a high-speed lane for movement, without the restrictions that stem from diagnostic tests and compulsory quarantines. Facilitating travel does not only concern countries that receive large numbers of tourists, but also air travel and the hospitality sector.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis reaffirmed his support for unity in Europe’s vaccination strategy, as well as for strict messaging towards pharmaceutical companies, so that they adhere to their commitment on the production and delivery of vaccines.
