EU leaders could not agree on common rules for travel within the EU during the pandemic on Thursday.

Opinions differed on how long the Covid passport should be valid after full vaccination, with bids varying between seven and nine months.

The decisions are national, but EU countries still believe that coordination would be desirable.

France is advocating a seven-month validity period to encourage citizens to get a booster dose. However, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz did not want any time limit mentioned. However, all EU leaders stressed that continued vaccination, including booster doses, is very important.

Before the summit, criticism was directed at Italy because the country on Wednesday, without prior warning, introduced a requirement for a negative PCR test for entry. There had already been a requirement for a Covid passport.

At the summit, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi defended the decision, saying it was motivated by necessary caution. Italy has a high vaccination rate and wants to take advantage of this to protect its healthcare system, he said.

Previously, however, EU countries have promised to inform each other in advance if they intend to introduce new travel restrictions.

In any case, the summit agreed that the countries' restrictions should be proportionate so as not to undermine the internal market.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen otherwise described the Covid passport as a success that has facilitated travel within the EU.

She reported on the vaccination rates in EU countries on December 10. Denmark was at the top with 82 percent of the total population vaccinated. Bulgaria was last with 26.2 percent.

Sweden was in twelfth place out of the 27 countries with 68.5 percent, just above the average of 67 percent.

Source: Nyhetsbyrån Direkt