Italy Introduces 'Green Pass'... Travel Within the EU Now Possible

On the 7th (local time), when the nighttime curfew to prevent the spread of COVID-19 was eased, the streets of Rome, the capital of Italy, were crowded with people late into the night. (Photo by EPA Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] Italy has approved the introduction of the so-called 'Green Pass,' which allows free movement within the European Union (EU).

According to local media including ANSA News Agency, Prime Minister Mario Draghi signed an administrative order on the 17th (local time) to introduce the EU Green Pass.

Through this, people who have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, those who have recovered from COVID-19 and possess antibodies, and those who have tested negative for COVID-19 can receive a certificate that allows them to move freely within the EU.

The certificate can be received via email or mobile text message from the health authorities' website. It can be printed out or saved on a smartphone. It is also possible to receive a paper certificate at local health centers or pharmacies near one's residence.

The Green Pass system will be implemented across the EU starting from the 1st of next month. Earlier, the European Parliament passed the digital COVID-19 certificate regulation proposed by the European Commission on the 9th.