Corona-Apps should work across EU borders / Interoperability of systems especially during holiday season indispensable to guarantee freedom of movement

The European Commission today presented a Communication setting out short-term measures to be better prepared for further corona outbreaks and to avoid further lockdowns. This Communication also launched a concrete measure to ensure the interoperability of the various European Corona warning systems across national borders.  

MEP and health policy spokesperson of the largest group in the European Parliament (EPP-Christian Democrats), Peter Liese, strongly welcomed the proposal. "To prevent further lockdowns, the use of modern technology such as Corona apps is of enormous importance. The treacherous thing about the virus is that many people transmit it without showing any symptoms. With our traditional method of identifying contacts and trying to inform and warn them through regular channels, we cannot effectively control and contain further, severe outbreaks. Therefore, an app that warns anyone who has had contact with an infected person is extremely important. That the Commission now also wants to ensure that the various national apps are compatible with each other is long overdue. Interoperability is crucial to maintain freedom of movement throughout the EU in the event of further corona outbreaks," Liese explained.

Already today, 10 different warningnapps are available and it is expected that 10 more will be added in the near future. In this context, Liese referred to his own experience in his work in Brussels. "It goes without saying that I use the Corona Warnapp. However, if I have had contact with an infected person in Brussels, I am not warned by my German app. The same applies to tourists and locals abroad. This is not justifiable and it is high time that the Commission took action here", said Liese.
Further measures to improve preparedness are aimed, among other things, at increasing testing capacity, ensuring sufficient supply of personal protective equipment and better protection of vulnerable groups.

"Together we were able to get the severe crisis under control, but the virus is still there and the danger is real. We must be prepared for further outbreaks especially in autumn and the protection of our citizens. The Commission is doing its utmost to better coordinate Member States and to better prepare them for further outbreaks," concluded Mr Liese.