President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday that American tourists who have been fully inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccines are going to be re-permitted to travel to the European Union in the summer. 

In an interview with The New York Times, Ursula said that the accelerated vaccination drive currently underway in the United States and the discussions happening between the EU and the authorities to issue and recognize vaccine certificates as acceptable proof of immunity will allow the European Commission to recommend a new policy for trans-Atlantic non-essential travel a reality again. 

Ursula von der Leyen said, “The Americans, as far as I can see, use European Medicines Agency-approved vaccines. This will enable free movement and the travel to the European Union.”

Also Read: EU accelerates vaccine production, to have enough for 70% of adults ‘in July’

While she did not specify a definitive timeline, Ursula added, “one thing is clear: All 27 member states will accept, unconditionally, all those who are vaccinated with vaccines that are approved by EMA,” she added.

Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson shots are the same vaccine shots approved in the US and the European Union. 

She further said that the US was “on track” and making “huge progress” in its goal to vaccinate 70% of adults by June and reach so-called herd immunity.  Adding further she said that travel resuming would depend “on the epidemiological situation, but the situation is improving in the United States, as it is, hopefully, also improving in the European Union.”

Discussion to develop mutually readable vaccine certificates have been going on for several weeks between the US and the European Union. The practical use of technology could be a solution. 

Also Read: On J&J jab ‘rare clot’, EU health body makes a point, adds a note of caution

A low-technology solution could be used in the foreseeable future. For example, a traveller to Europe could get an EU vaccine certificate equivalent on arrival after showing a bonafide certificate issued by his or her own government, reported the New York Times. 

American tourists returning to the European Union for travelling could give the countries a much economic boost. 

The EU has also begun work on its own “digital green certificates” which will certify if an individual has recently recovered from COVID-19, or has been vaccinated against the virus, or tested negative in the past few days.