European Vaccination Card to Be Tested in Five Countries

EUVABECO Project Faces Scrutiny Over Digital Vaccination IDs and Effectiveness Concerns

The EUVABECO project plans to pilot a European Vaccination Card (EVC) in Latvia, Greece, Belgium, Germany, and Portugal starting in September 2024. The card is intended to consolidate all vaccination data into one format, available as printed cards, mailed copies, and digital versions for smartphones.

The introduction of the EVC has sparked significant debate. Critics are concerned about the implications of digital IDs for vaccines, citing potential infringements on personal freedoms and privacy. Additionally, there are questions about the practicality and effectiveness of such a card, given that people who receive COVID-19 vaccines can still contract and spread the disease. This raises doubts about the overall utility of tracking vaccination status so meticulously.

The pilot program in the five selected countries will test the card's design and functionality. However, the EUVABECO project faces the challenge of addressing these substantial public concerns and skepticism as it evaluates the feasibility of a broader rollout across the European Union.