**BRUSSELS, May 14 (Reuters) – The European Union executive proposed a plan on Friday to introduce an EU-wide digital certificate to facilitate safe free movement during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a possible rollout from late June.**
The European Commission proposed two options for the certificates: one to show proof of vaccination, and one for proof of a negative test result or recovery from COVID-19.
The common approach will facilitate gradual lifting of travel restrictions within the bloc and help re-launch Europe’s tourism sector badly hit by the pandemic.
The plan must now be approved by the European Parliament and EU governments.
The Commission suggested the certificates should be available in digital or paper format, free of charge, and include a QR code for easy verification.
The certificates will not be a pre-condition for free movement, but they could be used by member states to waive travel restrictions such as quarantine.
EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders said at a news conference the certificates could be issued .
