Communication of guidelines from the Commission on SARS-CoV-2 antigen self-tests in the European Union

Question for written answer  E-002066/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Agnès Evren (PPE)

SARS-CoV-2 antigen self-tests have been used extensively in EU Member States since March 2021 and have been authorised for sale in pharmacies in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands at a reduced cost. These self-tests have a number of distinct advantages – they can be self-administered, are available without the need for a medical prescription and are easy to use – and, as such, are fully in line with the European strategy to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

They could also be of great benefit to European cross-border workers, who usually have to undergo several SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus screening tests each week.

However, to date the Commission has not issued recommendations to Member States on the use of the SARS-CoV-2 antigen self-tests available on the European market.

Does the Commission intend to issue guidelines on self-tests for Member States and citizens, particularly European cross-border workers, in order to promote the distribution and use of these tests on a larger scale within Europe?