The leaders of the three Baltic states have decided to lift a travel ban imposed to stem the spread of the coronavirus and open their common borders to restore the free movement of citizens.
"Since May 15, we have lifted restrictions on Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian citizens traveling between the Baltic states," said Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis on May 6.
The three executives are also considering the idea of expanding the free travel block to Poland and Finland in the near future.
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This measure follows a significant decrease in Covid-19 cases registered in the three countries, allowing governments to also remove the 14-day quarantine measure. The latter will only apply to foreigners arriving from countries outside the trilateral travel plan.
"This is a big step towards a normal life," wrote Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas on Twitter.
The number of Covid-19 infections and deaths has remained low in the Baltic countries. At the time of publication, Latvia has recorded less than 1,000 cases and 18 deaths, while Estonia and Lithuania less than 2,000, with 61 and 50 deaths reported, as a result.
"We are setting a good example by making it very clear that only countries that have managed to manage the situation can open up," added Skvernelis.
The announcement by the Baltic leaders was followed by the European Commission’s invitation to the Schengen countries and associated states to extend the non-essential travel ban to the EU for a further period. 30 days, until June 15.