France, the second largest European Union nation, has accepted Covishield, the Covid vaccine, manufactured in India by the Serum Institute. The decision, conveyed by the French government to India, also allows all Indian citizens duly vaccinated with Covishield, to visit France. 

France is the 13 European country and the 11th EU country to clear Covishield, but it is a significant development given the heft Paris has in the EU along with Germany, and the close ties with India, especially in the areas like defence, space and civilian nuclear energy.  

The other EU countries that have cleared the Covishield vaccine are Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Greece, Spain, Ireland and Holland.

Still, over half the 27 EU countries are yet to clear the Covishield vaccine. The EU itself has said a clearance will come once the manufacturers send it to the relevant body for clearance and it is tested. 

Two other countries, not part of the EU– Iceland and Switzerland– have also cleared the Covishield vaccine. And Estonia, so far, is the only European country to clear both Covishield and Covaxin.