EU reopens external borders to shortlist of 15 countries

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After the internal borders which have started to reopen, it is now the external borders of the EU which will be able to open on 1 July. An opening limited for the moment to fourteen countries, even fifteen.

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The decision was validated after lengthy legal negotiations, intended to draw up an unassailable list based on objective criteria. The aim is to avoid accusations of favoritism or ostracism, but also to promote the revival of the European economy with the return of businessmen and tourists, while also avoiding opening the door too wide and to let the pandemic come back.

The main criterion chosen by EU member countries for the reopening of external borders is therefore that of the prevalence of coronavirus. The non-Europeans who will be admitted must reside in a country where there is the same average as in Europe or less, that is 16 infected people per 100,000 inhabitants, indicates our correspondent in Brussels, Pierre Benazet .

Brazil, USA and Russia not on the list

Like those of Brazil or Russia, residents of the United States will therefore be excluded. Turkey, India and Israel are not on the list either. For the Americas, only residents of Canada and Uruguay will be admitted. In Africa, only Algerian, Moroccan, Tunisian and Rwandan residents will be able to return to Europe. Elsewhere in the world, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand and Japan are also on this restricted access list to European borders.

China is the 15th country on this list, but it is listed with an asterisk. The 27 have set a condition of reciprocity. So that Chinese residents can return to Europe, Europeans must therefore be able to return to China.

This list must be revised every two weeks and will take effect from July 1. However, this is only a recommendation and the 27 capitals will not be obliged to admit residents of the fifteen countries on the list.

UK not concerned

Despite having left the EU, the United Kingdom is considered a member country until the end of the transition period on December 31. The travel ban to the EU also does not apply to EU nationals and residents and their families. Nor certain categories of travelers (health professionals, seasonal workers, diplomats, travelers traveling for imperative family reasons, sailors, students ...). 

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