The green passport is a fact, since the European Parliament has finally passed the regulation which has direct and binding force in all Member States and therefore we are now called as the Republic of Cyprus to take the necessary measures.
Its implementation is already scheduled for the "milestone" date of June 1, 2021 in a first attempt to restart tourism, the economy and the implementation of virtually freedom of movement within the gates of the European Union and to restore the climate of trust between States - Members.
Also a "key point" is the release date of UK flights abroad, which will mean the arrival of British tourists to the area.
If the above confidence is restored, there is a gradual provision for flights to be opened with third countries, even if they do not use vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as it will be left to the Member States. the power to decide what to do in this area.
It is true that the introduction of the green passport took place with fast track procedures, as from the beginning the European People's Party, the Liberals and the Socialists were in favor, the idea was immediately joined by MED 5 (Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Italy and Spain ) led by the Greek Prime Minister, followed by the Germans and the Scandinavian countries, while the French and the Benelux countries (Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg) maintained a negative attitude.
Nevertheless, the regulation has been adopted and, without this implying that for any reason the vaccination schedule can be neglected, it is based on a digital version that includes a QR code, country of origin, and whether or not the person has been vaccinated.
For those who did not get the vaccine or never got it covid-19 A negative PCR test will be required, as noted by Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton, while those who fell ill but passed it (no later than 20 days after the first positive PCR test) will be "issued a green passport".
However, there is also the possibility of a printed form that will include personal data, such as name, date of birth and the passport number of the person will be linked to the QR code that will contain the information.
Indeed, the possibility of resumption of travel is a first but essential step towards freedom, despite the fact that there are several objections to the way and areas of use of the passport, ie whether it will remain only for tourists or will be extended to tourism workers or born at work or in other sectors of the economy.
That is, the question arises whether someone who will not hold a green passport will actually have the same or less access to the labor market or will not be affected by anything.
This is mainly based on the provision of the regulation that the national courts will decide whether the use of the passport is discriminatory or not and in which cases it is established.
Objections, of course, are also raised regarding the question of whether there will be a central database at European Union level or whether it will be kept separately in each Member State and for how long the data will be kept in this database, as "nothing more permanent than temporary".
However, it is clarified or better attempted to amuse the fact that there will be no central database from the European Union, that the whole process will end as soon as the pandemic is over and in any case that possession of this passport should not be a condition for the exercise of free movement or the use of transport services.
However, regardless of the objections and to what extent they are acceptable or well-founded, it should be emphasized that the rational and lawful application of technology is imperative and in the right direction, especially when we are talking about the Republic of Cyprus, which is "dangerously dependent". from tertiary production, ie services and tourism, sectors which have indeed been severely affected by the covid-19 in our country.
This applies in particular to the province of Famagusta, its citizens and businesses that can not withstand a second year of inactivity, deprivation of income, accumulation of business debts with the visible risk of final closure and collapse of the market, loss of property and housing, citizens abusive behavior of banks in the issue of clauses but also the splitting of mortgages, at a time when the state itself was deaf and did not declare the province of Famagusta an affected area, as it had to do to mitigate the adverse economic consequences of the pandemic.
All this at the same time that neighboring Turkey, which has a market much larger than ours, has already stated that it will receive British tourists without a certificate and possibly without PCR as soon as flights from the United Kingdom are released.
Therefore, it is up to us to be in favor of technology, immediately activating the provisions for the implementation of the green passport and to show that we are absolutely serious and responsible, continuing vaccinations at a steady pace and extending them directly to tourism and active workers. working population.
Our non-negotiable choice should be to remind ourselves and the tourists that "we are our choices" and to invite them to visit a health-safe Cyprus and a health-protected Famagusta.
Dr. Alexios Ch. Konstantinou, Lawyer / Academician, Candidate Member of Parliament for Famagusta with the "Solidarity" Movement