European Union countries propose to keep borders closed until June 15

Restriction on non-essential travel, in force since mid-March, applies to the 27 countries in the bloc

A European Comission, the executive body of the European Union, proposed on Friday to the bloc's countries to extend the closure of external borders until June 15 to try to contain the new coronavirus pandemic.

O closure has been in effect since mid-March. The restriction on “non-essential” travel applies to the 27 countries in the bloc, except Ireland, as well as four other countries in the Schengen free movement area: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway.

On March 17, the heads of state and government of the European Union, meeting via videoconference, agreed to a ban on travel to European territory for 30 days. The ban does not affect long-term residents of the EU, family members of European citizens, diplomats, doctors, nurses, researchers and experts in combating the virus or transporters.

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In a released statement, the Vice-President of the Commission, Margaritis Schinas, highlights that, “although certain EU States and certain countries associated with the Schengen Area [of free movement] are taking preliminary measures to relax measures to combat the spread of the pandemic , the situation remains fragile, both in Europe and the rest of the world”.

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Any new extension beyond June 15, 2020 must be re-evaluated, based on the evolution of the epidemiological situation. The proposal, however, still needs to receive approval from the European Council. According to Brussels, “before restrictions at external borders can, in a second phase, be relaxed, it will be necessary to lift, gradually and in a coordinated way, controls at internal borders”.

“We need to respect a phased and coordinated approach. As soon as the health situation allows, the reestablishment of the normal functioning of free movement in the Schengen Area will be our main objective”, declared the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson.