EU Announces Member States to Remove All Covid Restrictions

This will allow full freedom of movement within the block which was almost impossible during the pandemic.

Today's statement by the Council on December 13th announced that it had adopted amendments to its recommendations on travel to and movement within the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have also advised member states to avoid imposing new restrictions.

"The new recommendations recommend that Member States not place travel restrictions on the basis of public health. The Council noted in its statement that the recommendations include a number of safeguards for a deteriorating epidemic situation.

The report also states that if the epidemiological situation becomes worsening, the Member States will need to take appropriate measures. This could include testing or proof of recovery, vaccinations, and testing.

The Council anticipates that Member States might impose travel restrictions for emergencies in cases where a dangerous variant is found in a third country or other world region. These restrictions will be uniform for all.

The Council states that such a restriction should be lifted after 21 days, unless the member states extend it for a longer period.

The Council also kept the emergency brake because it believes it is necessary to respond quickly to new variants.

Spain was the last country to lift COVID-19 travel restrictions from the EU on October 21. This allowed them to enter the EU without the need to fill out a health form, or show proof of vaccinations, testing, or recovery.

Luxemburg had lifted all COVID-19 restrictions before Spain. These two countries were the last to have entry restrictions in Europe.

All sectors of Europe were affected by the Coronavirus pandemic, but tourism and travel in particular were most severely affected. In March 2020, travel within Europe and to Europe was stopped completely.

Although the sector is still struggling, it has been projected that European tourism will see a recovery of at least 75% by 2023.

According to the European Travel Commission, the aviation industry has shown the best recovery. August flight volumes were just 11% below the August 2019 levels.

 

Source: schengenvisainfo.com