No reason for travel limits in Europe after June - EU
The EU has stressed today that there is no reason for travel restrictions within Europe to continue beyond the end of this month.
For purposes of coronavirus border restrictions, ‘Europe’ has so far included the EU and Schengen Area (which includes some non-EU states such as Norway), plus the UK due to the Brexit transition period.
Following a meeting of the EU’s home affairs ministers this morning a delegate from the Croatian EU Council presidency said the majority of states are ready to lift all ‘internal’ restrictions on travel from areas within Europe by June 15.
A French minister had earlier implied in a television interview that this is France's wish, however Connexion is seeking confirmation of this.
“Others will follow, hopefully at the end of the month, which will also depend on the development of the epidemiological situation in some member states,” she said.
Meanwhile she said that extending the closure of Europe’s external borders to the end of June was proposed so as to allow for preparation for a “gradual” opening of the external borders, coordinated at EU-level, after that.
The EU’s home affairs commissioner, Ylva Johansson, said: “I very much welcome how member states are now quickly lifting the internal border restrictions.
“I stressed [to the ministers] the importance of member states complying with principles of non-discrimination and proportionality while lifting the borders.
“The nationality of the person entering the territory is not a relevant factor, given that so many of our EU citizens do not reside in their member state of nationality.”
She added: “I personally believe that we will return to a full functioning of the Schengen Area and freedom of movement of [EU] citizens no later than the end of June.
“I believe both the health and political situation allow for this.
“The overall picture that the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control provides to us shows a strong positive convergence among EU and Schengen states as a result of significant efforts to contain the virus.
“Physical distancing is still needed, but health authorities are clear that there is no longer a clear justification for travel restrictions or border measures within the EU/Schengen area.”
She said that the member states were in strong agreement for internal opening at first, before opening to external countries.
Almost all states had wanted a further extension, beyond the current date of June 15, of the external border closures.
“That means internal borders are lifted by the end of June; I guess, we should consider the gradual lifting of restrictions on non-essential travel to the EU from early July.”
Ms Johansson stressed again that this should be a gradual process, not all countries at once, and coordinated at EU level.
