On Friday, 21 May, Members of the European Affairs Committee of the Saeima supported Latvia’s national position in the extraordinary European Council meeting on the introduction of the EU Digital COVID Certificate in the European Union (EU), climate change issues, as well as relations with Russia and the United Kingdom. 

“The digital Covid certificate must become operational as soon as possible, thus ensuring one of the fundamental values of the European Union – the free movement of people. The certificate will confirm that the person is vaccinated against Covid-19, has a negative test result, or has recovered from the disease within a certain time," said Vita Anda Tērauda, Chair of the Committee, referring to the approved position, adding that Latvia hopes to join the digital certificate system as of 15 June. 

It is also important to Latvia that member states will have the opportunity to set national restrictions if they are essential for ensuring public health. Other member states and the European Commission will need to be informed about such national measures, said Tērauda. 

This week, the European Parliament (EP) and the EU member states reached a preliminary agreement on the Covid certificate. The certificate will mainly be available through a smartphone application, also allowing to be authenticated in paper format. This is yet to be formally approved by the Council of the European Union, as well as by the EP plenary session, Tērauda explained. 

As to the climate issues, the Chair of the European Affairs Committee said that the first discussions on specific actions to achieve climate targets for 2030 have been launched. It is important that prior to the publication of proposals in June, member states submit their most pressing issues to the European Council, noted Tērauda. 

“In June, the European Commission intends to publish proposals for implementing the 2030 climate targets, which will have a significant impact on member states’ economies. Currently, Latvia has to do important homework, with sound calculations, in order to defend its interests in the European Union," said Tērauda, adding that the European Affairs Committee will closely follow the process and participate in formulating Latvia’s position in cooperation with the relevant ministries. 

Last year, the European Council endorsed the revision of the existing EU greenhouse gas emission reduction target. A reduction of at least 55 per cent by 2030, compared to 1990, was supported. 

Saeima Press Service