The European Parliament has adopted a resolution requiring EU member states to ensure free COVID-19 testing, saying that this is particularly important for travels of young people who are not a priority vaccination group and have modest funds at their disposal.

The resolution on the accessibility and affordability of COVID testing, adopted by 616 votes in favour, 29 against and 45 abstentions, calls on the European Commission and the national authorities of member states to ensure free COVID tests for citizens and increase their testing capacities, particularly in transport hubs and tourist resorts.

During the debate on digital green certificates, MEPs focused on the accessibility and affordability of COVID-19 tests, saying that this matter is particularly important for students and young people who are not a priority vaccination group, do not have enough money for testing and should be ensured safer and cheaper travel to other countries, both as tourists and on business.

Council official Ana Paula Zacarias said that free COVID testing could be achieved by joint procurement and EU financial incentives to citizens of all member states.