European Union countries on Wednesday agreed to launch COVID travel passes as they look to allow travel in the summer, and negotiations with the bloc's lawmakers are scheduled for May, Reuters reports citing diplomatic sources.

The certificates will allow persons who have been fully vaccinated, those who have recovered from COVID-19 and those who have tested negative for the virus to travel more easily within the bloc.

Countries in Europe have restricted travel for long periods since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

The 27 EU member states "underlined their commitment to have the framework ready by the summer of 2021," said a document endorsed by national envoys and seen by Reuters.

The document noted that the bloc's countries are working to ensure "that the necessary technological solutions are in place" to allow the document to be put to use once approved.

(With input from agencies)