TOP HEADLINES
- Certificate or passport? That’s the question in Brussels today, as leading MEPs proposed the planned EU vaccine certificate "should be linked to the freedom of movement." But that’s at odds with the European Commission, which said the certificate should not be a passport. The Parliament fears member states could put up further barriers, such as quarantine - but MEPs hope a “vax pass” will allow EU citizens to skip the queue.
- Meanwhile, EU Member States governments are busy in their respective capitals working on finalising proposals on how they will use EU COVID recovery funds. Commission President Von Der Leyen said “the Commission works hand-in-hand with them on the plans, around the clock.” Don’t think it’s without competition, though… Germany plans to spend 40 percent on climate-linked policy, "well beyond the ambitious targets set by the EU"... of 37 percent, said Germany’s finance minister Olaf Sholz.
- EU and AstraZeneca lawyers will meet in court today for the first hearing over accusations the Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical firm failed to meet contracted delivery deadlines for its vaccine. European Commission advocates will ask for an injunction, which will effectively force AstraZeneca to deliver 90 million doses to Brussels by the end of June. AstraZeneca denies the charges, and said it will defend itself in court.
- The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has identified the "Indian" COVID-19 variant B.1.617 in at least seven European countries, according to a Euronews report.
- A study by Public Health England - a UK government agency - found a single dose of the double-dose Pfizer or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines can reduce risk of transmission by nearly 50 percent. Protection from the virus infection was also found 14 days after the single dose was given. It is not a recommendation to stop giving the second jab.
AROUND EUROPE
Guy Henderson in London
Hopes are rising that British tourists could be allowed to travel abroad this summer. Transport Minister Grant Shapps says the government is working on using an app to prove vaccination or a negative test. Officials are seeking international recognition of the program, including in the EU which plans to introduce a 'digital certificate' system for new arrivals. The UK is set to formally review its foreign travel restrictions next month.
A new independent study commissioned by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change warn that further coronavirus waves could still result in many thousands more deaths by next summer as restrictions are eased.
Ross Cullen in Paris
The French president is set to make another address to the nation on either May 2 or May 3 where he will outline the government's timetable for easing the current restrictions. Emmanuel Macron is likely to announce the reopening of some cultural venues and outdoor areas of bars and restaurants from mid-May and a relaxation of the times of the national curfew. That is currently running every night from 7pm-6am and is set to remain in place until the end of May, but will likely be loosened. Macron spoke to 12 mayors from across the country on Tuesday to go through the plan and on Wednesday he will chair the weekly meeting of the health defence council of senior ministers.