A “Green Pass” is intended to give vaccinated people certain privileges within the European Union. This is what Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz wants. In the event that it cannot prevail, a national solo effort should be made.

The opposition party SPÖ criticized the plan in a media statement. It is pointed out that according to the current status 95,5 percent of the population has no access to the vaccinations. So Kurz's plan would create a real passport for the privileged.

Flughafen Wien AG welcomes the surprising proposal by the Austrian Chancellor. Its board member Günther Ofner stated in an initial statement on Thursday: “The move by Chancellor Kurz for a Europe-wide vaccination certificate based on the Israeli model is an important initiative to ensure that corona-free tourism is possible again in the summer of 2021. If there is no Europe-wide uniform regulation, then a “coalition of the willing”, ie those countries in the EU that want something like Austria, would also make sense. Those who have been vaccinated or tested should also be able to travel again and take part in cultural or sporting events; a digital vaccination and test certificate would be the decisive prerequisite for this. Millions of people want to be able to enjoy their vacation again. Millions of jobs across Europe also depend on whether corona-safe tourism and cultural activities with an audience are possible this summer. This is particularly important for Austria as a tourist destination. If necessary, Austria should also implement this initiative on its own. In no way does it make sense to wait until April to make a decision, because then it won't work out until the summer - the decision has to be made now ”.

Köstinger wants to get involved on Monday at the EU level

Austria's Minister of Tourism Elisabeth Köstinger (ÖVP) can also gain a lot from the proposal of her party leader. In an initial statement, she said: “A Europe-wide uniform and recognized 'Green Passport' is the right approach to regain the greatest possible freedom despite the corona crisis. A digital mobile phone solution that provides information about vaccinations, infection or test results is also the key to reopening the gate for travel ”.

The member of the government pointed out that the initiative was introduced both to the Portuguese Council Presidency and to the EU Commission. She also said: “I will be discussing this very intensively with my colleagues from the EU member states at the meeting of the EU tourism ministers next Monday. A Europe-wide uniform solution is certainly in the interests of all EU member states. It's about the greatest possible personal freedom and also about making safe travel possible again. A digital passport would make our tourist location attractive for local and international guests. All those involved would benefit from this safety measure - both the tourists and the businesses that serve the guests with their employees. The 'Green Pass' would of course also be an essential tool for restaurants and events in order to get going again. It is crucial that this digital solution is developed quickly, is used and is easy to use ”.