Commission reveals intention to save summer vacation

On Wednesday, the European Commission unveiled its plans to save the summer vacation in Europe, proposing the gradual lifting of travel restrictions and border controls across the EU for the summer.

"It will not be a normal summer," admitted Margrethe Vestager, executive vice-president, and Thierry Breton, commissioner responsible for the internal market, added that "we must learn to live with the virus".

The plan provides that all measures should be taken gradually and in a coordinated manner, in order to avoid a second wave of coronavirus across the continent.

In the first phase of the plan, travel restrictions should be gradually lifted, said Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johannson, who first authorized travel between regions with similar epidemiological conditions. Breton had previously said that member states will gradually lift border restrictions, depending on the needs of each country.

"Opening borders is not without risks," said EU health chief Stella Kyriakides.

The Commissioner of Health and Food Safety has established the criteria for starting to travel; They anticipate that Member States will provide clear evidence confirming that the number of Covid-19 infections has decreased and stabilized, ensuring the availability of sufficient health care and testing capabilities, informing citizens of this. evolution of the virus. and the actions to be taken, as well as the implementation of detailed preparedness plans.

The contact tracking application, which has been touted by EU officials as a measure that would significantly contribute to virus control, will be optional and should be used across the EU said Vestager.

"I cannot answer when we will travel, but only how," said Transport Commissioner Adina-Ioana Valean, because the EU's executive body has not set a specific deadline for the reopening of borders. However, several countries, including Greece, Austria and Germany, have announced that they will open their borders from June 15 to revive the economy.

Measures already imposed to contain the spread of the virus, such as social isolation, disinfection of spaces and means of transport, the use of disinfectants and the use of protective masks will continue to be implemented. Apply during the trip, while food and drinks should not be served. on board.

A reduced number of passengers and guests has also been recommended, both for means of transport and for hotels and restaurants, so that the rules of social distancing can be applied.

However, it is the Member States who have the final say and can choose whether or not to apply the Commission's recommendations.

For countries that have introduced 14-day quarantine measures for travelers entering their territory, the EU executive has stressed that this measure should be "proportional and non-discriminatory", that is, that is, it should be based on objective criteria and not nationality or proximity.