BRUSSELS – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Greece's efforts for the roll out of its vaccination campaign against Covid-19, and especially welcomed the Greek prime minister's proposal for a vaccination certificate, in an interview with the Greek newspaper "Ta Nea" released on Saturday.

"The percentage of vaccinated citizens [in Greece] is already higher than the average in the EU27," she said.

Concerning a vaccination certificate, the EU Commission president said that "a certificate is absolutely essential. This is a medical necessity and thus it is the right path to follow. Of course, there must be mutual recognition, this is a demand of the World Health Organisation (WHO)."

She said that there will have to be a discussion within the EU on what, exactly, such a certificate will allow a holder to do, adding that the right balance must be found, such as combining a vaccination certificate or a negative Covid-19 test for those who for some reason have not yet had access to the vaccine. She said the European Council in January decided to re-examine the issue once there has been greater progress in the vaccinations.

Von der Leyen also defended the principle of European solidarity in the distribution of vaccines, and her conviction that to place a common order was and continues to be the right decision.