While the countries of the European Union (EU) are gradually being defined, the Member States of the Schengen area are reopening their borders in a haphazard fashion, foreshadowing a difficult return to normal.
However, European legislation frames these reopenings. "It is up to each Member State to close its own borders, but they must do so within the framework of the Schengen Code," recalls Alberto Alemanno, professor of European law interviewed by France 24.
"We must respect certain criteria and these measures must be justified and proportionate," he said. Also denouncing "discrimination" against certain nationals who are forced to observe quarantine or subjected to border controls.
Within the EU, these equally variable situations between the different Member States stem, according to Alberto Alemanno, from a lack of harmonization on the part of the European authorities. "It is true that the European Commission tried to coordinate both the introduction and the lifting of these measures. But it did not succeed," points out the law professor.
Pending the meeting on the reopening of the borders between the interior ministers of the EU, which is to be held Friday June 5 by videoconference, France 24 takes stock.
- In Italy, European tourists widely welcomed
Italy is an exception within the Schengen area. On Wednesday, it took the plunge by opening its borders to European tourists. "After weeks of enormous sacrifices, there is enthusiasm in the air, a renewed social life," rejoiced Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. The stakes are high for Italy: the country, which is experiencing its worst recession since the Second World War, has a crucial need to see tourists return.
Rome is therefore putting pressure on the other member countries to restore freedom of movement on European soil. The head of Italian diplomacy, Luigi Di Maio, met Wednesday in Rome with his French counterpart, Jean-Yves Le Drian, and asked on this occasion "reciprocity" to his European partners on the reopening of borders.
>> Read also: Covid-19: Italy reopens its borders to save its tourism industry
Fearing a resumption of the epidemic, Switzerland and Austria turn a deaf ear and keep their Italian border closed, causing discontent in Rome.
"Italy can show that our current situation is better than that of certain parts of the Old Continent," defended Luigi Di Maio. Announcing that Austria and Italy will compare their epidemiological data
- A vast reopening looms in Belgium
Some European countries intend to adopt a strategy close to that of Italy, but later. From June 15, Belgium will reopen its borders to and from EU countries, the United Kingdom, as well as the other four countries in the Schengen area, Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès announced on Wednesday, citing Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
Leave the country, but to go where, and under what conditions? While Belgium allows travelers' departures and arrivals, this is not necessarily the case for all European countries. "Be careful, however, […] of the conditions imposed [by each country]", warned the Prime Minister, inviting travelers to inquire beforehand.
>> Read also: Reopening of the EU's external borders: what prospects for the diasporas?
Yet the government remains confident. Wednesday, Pieter De Crem, the Belgian Minister of the Interior said to count on the principle of "reciprocity" when crossing borders. In the Schengen area, which has 26 countries in total, he said, there are "still some reluctants, [but] most countries would agree to open their borders around June 15".
- France in favor of June 15
The French Prime Minister, Édouard Philippe, said he was "in favor" of the reopening of the internal borders of Europe from June 15. He mentioned the possibility of an absence of "fortnight" for travelers coming to France, unless their country required it to French nationals, in which case Paris would apply a principle of "reciprocity".
- In Greece, tourists from Europe and elsewhere, from June 15
Determined to revive its tourism industry, Greece is already preparing for the arrival of tourists. The country has authorized the two main airports of Athens and Thessaloniki to welcome, from June 15, visitors from around thirty countries. This list is made up of a majority of EU member countries, the main customers of Greece. Among these are France, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom.
- In Spain, cacophony on the reopening of land borders
European tourists wishing to travel to Spain will have to wait until July 1. The Iberian Peninsula will reopen its land borders with France and Portugal on this date, and not on June 22, as the Minister of Tourism indicated earlier.
- These countries which partially reopen
Several countries have planned partial opening of their borders, thus establishing a - controversial - selection of nationals.
The British government is considering, for example, establishing air bridges with certain countries, which would make it possible to avoid many travelers entering the United Kingdom from observing quarantine.
Covid-19: Towards a gradual reopening of borders between EU member states?
Another example of partial opening: Austria. Since Thursday, the country has stopped systematic checks at its land borders, with the exception of those with Italy. Travelers from Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Hungary will no longer have to quarantine or test negative for Covid-19.
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has said that he will keep restrictions on Italy because of the epidemic, but intends to analyze the situation again next week.
>> See also: Covid-19: closed or open borders, update on the situation in Europe
As for the Netherlands, the Dutch government announced on Wednesday a relaxation of the warnings on tourist trips for several European countries. Non-essential travel will no longer be discouraged in twelve European countries, including Germany, Belgium and Italy.
However, they will not be recommended after June 15, particularly to the United Kingdom and Sweden, where health risks are estimated "higher", according to the government.
Germany has also taken similar measures, since the government decided on Wednesday to lift its warnings on tourist travel in Europe from June 15.
- When will the EU's external borders be reopened?
For the time being, the EU's external borders remain closed until further notice. But the subject should soon arrive on the negotiating table. For the head of French diplomacy, Jean-Yves Drian, "it will be necessary, around June 15, to know what we are going to do for our external borders", calling for "necessary coordination" between the member countries.
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