April the 30th, 2021 - Croatian MEP Valter Flego has spoken out in favour of securing free coronavirus tests in order to better facilitate the upcoming summer tourist season and to avoid discriminating against those who aren't vaccinated yet.

As Novac/Ljubica Vuko writes, Croatian MEP Valter Flego (IDS) spoke at a plenary session in Brussels this week and sought free coronavirus testing, which in Croatia currently costs from 500 to 750 kuna per PCR test, and about 150 kuna for an antigen test.

''If we want to travel without restrictions this summer, we'll need an EU certificate. So that this confirmation doesn't lead to inequality and discrimination against citizens who aren't vaccinated - coronavirus testing - just like the coronavirus vaccine - must be free of charge. Otherwise, many families simply won't be able to afford a holiday this summer. In the current situation, testing costs up to 600 euros on top of what they've paid for a holiday for a family of four,'' Croatian MEP Valter Flego stressed, adding that "whoever decides to introduce a certificate must take care that all citizens are equally allowed to have a certificate as coronavirus vaccination isn't mandatory, and not everyone has the opportunity to be vaccinated at the same time."

As reported by Croatian MEP Valter Flego's office, this is exactly what the Resolution on the availability and affordability of coronavirus testing discusses, over which the European Parliament called on the European Commission and the national authorities of individual EU member states to provide free testing to citizens and increase their testing capacities, especially in the main traffic hubs and in tourist destinations.

''The resolution calls for EU member states to ensure universal, affordable, timely and free coronavirus testing in order to avoid discrimination against those who haven't yet been vaccinated and for economic reasons. Otherwise, we're divided into citizens of the first and second order, and that's unacceptable,'' Croatian MEP Valter Flego believes.

A statement from his office also said that the European Parliament had reaffirmed its negotiating position on a proposal for an EU certification for coronavirus, which would allow EU citizens to move freely within the bloc from June.

MEPs believe that the EU certificate should be valid for one year and that it shouldn't be a prerequisite for travel, but only a relief with which citizens don't have to be quarantined or self-isolated upon arrival or return to a country.

The next step is to negotiate between Parliament and the Council, in order to reach a final agreement before the start of the tourist season.

''Tourism is important, but let's not forget to talk about all types of travel. People travel for work, for school, to see family. Now follows a trialogue, and I really hope for a final solution by the beginning of June, because everything coming later means losing part of the tourist season,'' said Croatian MEP Valter Flego, before concluding that "the cost of tests and a more detailed presentation of the epidemiological risk of tourist destinations on the ECDC map are two priorities which we must resolve as soon as possible.''

For more on coronavirus in Croatia, including travel, quarantine and border rules, as well as the locations of vaccination points and testing centres up and down the country, make sure to bookmark our dedicated section.