Vaccination passport? Rutte in favour, but more time is needed

The majority of EU countries have a positive attitude towards the introduction of a vaccination passport, this week’s EU summit has revealed. The decommissioned Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, is also in favour of the passport — but he believes it is too early to think about implementing one. 

Countries such as Italy, France and Germany are starting to address the idea of a vaccination passport. If EU countries were to introduce a digital vaccination passport, citizens who have proof of vaccination may be able to travel more easily than those without.

Rutte believes there are still too many technicalities to be addressed before a decision can be made about the implementation of a vaccination passport in the Netherlands.

The technicalities

Firstly, the decommissioned Prime Minister questions the safety of such a passport. He points out that people cannot be certain that they won’t transmit the virus, even if they have had the vaccine.

There is also the question of how long it would take to set up such a system. The summit revealed that southern EU countries would like to see the passports implemented by summer.

However, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, points out that the technical preparation of such passports could take months — a sentiment that Rutte shares.

Decisions not yet made

When speaking with RTL Nieuws, Rutte explained that there is much to be decided before a vaccination passport will be introduced in the Netherlands.

“There will be a certificate and the technology to make it possible.” The decommissioned prime minister said, however, “there are still some major decisions between idea and implementation. This will take a few more months. It won’t happen overnight.”

What are your thoughts on a corona passport? Let us know in the comments below! 

Feature Image: Skiitterphoto/Pexels

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Before becoming the Senior Editor of DutchReview, Sarah was a fresh-faced international looking to learn more about the Netherlands. Since moving here in 2017, Sarah has added a BA in English and Philosophy (Hons.), an MA in Literature (Hons.), and over three years of writing experience at DutchReview to her skillset. When Sarah isn't acting as a safety threat to herself and others (cycling), you can find her trying to sound witty while writing about some of the stickier topics such as mortgages and Dutch law.

1 COMMENT

  1. In favor of it ASAP . If vaccinated (which I am – have both Moderna vaccines) and you also keep your distance and wear mask to protect others as well as yourself. People want to be with their families and partners ( have not seen him in months) and have been separated for months This takes terrible toll on families and relationships. In the beginning sure we adjusted but now it is close to a year and that is very upsetting and emotionally straining on couples. Willing to go into quarantine and take a test on arrival to be with loved ones

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