Towards a global digital health certificate

The Council has adopted a recommendation to ensure the smooth transition of COVID-19 certification system to a WHO global digital health certification network.

The recommendation encourages member states to join, follow and participate in the further development of the WHO global digital health certification network. Until member states are connected to it, and during the period until the end of the year, they are encouraged to remain connected to the EU Gateway (the EU’s existing digital infrastructure for the verification of certificates).

The WHO global digital health certification network will integrate the technology developed in EU digital COVID certificates.

Connection to the global digital health certification network

Member states are encouraged to connect to the global digital health certification network that is being set up by the WHO. However, it is up to member states to decide whether and when to connect to it.

Issuance and acceptance of certificates

Once connected to the network, member states are encouraged to issue and accept COVID-19 certificates compatible with the network requirements, in particular in case of a declared public health emergency of international concern.

Further evolution of the global digital health certification network

Member states are encouraged to follow and participate in the further development of the WHO global digital health certification network, such as its possible expansion to other diseases beyond COVID-19, or other uses in the health context.

Transitional period until 31 December 2023

The Commission will maintain the EU Gateway until the end of the year. Member states are encouraged to remain connected to the EU Gateway and continue to issue certificates identical to the EU digital Covid certificate even after 30 June 2023.

Background information

The existing regulation on EU digital Covid certificate is set to expire on 30 June 2023.

Against this backdrop, on 5 June 2023 the Commission put forward a proposal for a Council recommendation on a global digital health certificate. Once adopted, the recommendation enters into force on the same day.