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The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced this afternoon that she will propose with immediate effect the temporary closure of the EU's borders. For at least 30 days, but prolonged, no foreigner may access the community territory, with exceptions. Community citizens who are abroad right now will be able to return , since the measure does not affect them, but the institutions ask to limit non-essential movements, so that may affect the decisions of the area companies.

"The measures are effective only if they are coordinated. We have to protect people from contagion and at the same time, make sure that we maintain the flow of goods, which is vital for the economy," the German explained. "In Europe we are very affected by the virus and we know that everything that reduces social interactions reduces the speed of contagion. The fewer trips, the more we can control. Therefore, I have informed the G7 that I am proposing to the heads of state to introduce restrictions non-essential travel storms to the EU ", he added in a recorded video.

Relatives of EU nationals, long-term residents here, diplomats, doctors, nurses, researchers and experts working on the pandemic, are still allowed to enter.

Also the carriers, "because the flow must continue to ensure the food, the necessary components for the factories, " said Von der Leyen. And the staff that works at the borders. "These measures, to be effective, should also be applied by the states that are associated with Schengen," he added, referring to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. "I have been able to speak with Norway and Switzerland and I know that they have introduced some similar measures, their reaction has been positive because there will be no differences. They will be included. The British are European so there are no restrictions for them to travel to the continent."

The EU wants to guarantee the flow of medical supplies, food, components or medicines. To do this, it proposes to enable expressways that give priority to transport.

The heads of state and government will meet Tuesday afternoon by teleconference, where they are expected to give the go-ahead to the media. However, the decision is not an improvisation, it has been consulted for days with all the capitals . "Tomorrow we will have a teleconference and in the next few hours we will continue informing everyone and explaining what the Commission is proposing, because it must be approved by all Member States and everyone must be able to implement it," explained the president of the European Council, Charles Michel , minutes later. , at a press conference. "We have spoken with most of the countries and there is strong support, tomorrow we will officially end it," von der Leyen wanted to reassure, after more or less informal complaints from some Member States in the east or the Baltic area.

More than half a dozen countries have launched or announced border closings also for community citizens. Poland, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Slovakia, Estonia, Germany or Portugal, for example. And some others, like Austria or Hungary, also in certain positions. Some leaders, such as Emmanuel Macron , called for the measure in a coordinated manner and after listening to the 27 interior ministers this morning, the Commission has surrendered to the evidence.

Von der Leryen's thesis has always been that travel restrictions were not the best way to act, but fear moves faster than the virus and has had to back down. The free movement space, Schengen, is in the pillory. The measure seeks to reduce the number of exposures, displacements and operational workforce.

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  • Coronavirus

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