“After the abolition of all internal border checks within the European Union, we offer a clear and flexible approach to removing restrictions on entry into the EU starting July 1,” the press service of the European Commission quoted the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs, Ilva Johansson.
She emphasized that international tourism is key to business and the reunion of families and friends.
It is assumed that EU countries should resume visa operations in third countries at the same time as the opening of external borders.
Restrictions on entry from other countries are planned to be removed depending on the epidemiological situation.
The EC called on the EU countries to submit a common list of states from which entry will be allowed from July 1.
At the same time, the European Commission recommended the lifting of travel restrictions for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia and Serbia, where the epidemiological situation is “similar or better than in the EU”.
In addition, it is proposed to open borders for foreign students planning to study in the EU countries, as well as highly qualified foreign workers, including from countries for which restrictions remain.
Earlier, Poland decided to open borders for citizens of EU countries from June 13.
Eduardo Santender, Executive Director of the European Tourism Commission, said in an interview with the Izvestia newspaper that the EU tourism economy will need at least two years to return to the level of 2019.