The Council of the European Union has issued a new statement calling on the Member States to remove any remaining Coronavirus travel restrictions and enable the full freedom of movement within the block, which during the pandemic had halted almost completely.
In its statement issued today, on December 13, the Council has announced that it has adopted amendments to the recommendations on travel to the EU and on facilitating the freedom of movement in the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic, through which they have advised the Member States to refrain from imposing any new restrictions.
“Under the new recommendations, Member States should not impose any restrictions on travel on the grounds of public health. However, the recommendations keep a number of safeguards in case of a deteriorating epidemiological situation,” the Council notes in its statement.
It further points out that in case the epidemiological situation worsens, and the Member States have the need to address the situation, appropriate restrictions should be imposed in a coordinated manner, which may include vaccination, proof of recovery or testing, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
In cases when a dangerous variant is detected in a particular third country or world region, the Council also foresees that the Member States may impose urgent temporary travel restrictions, which shall be uniform for all of them.
“Such a restriction should expire after 21 days unless member states decide to shorten it or extend it for an additional period,” the Council says.
The Council has also maintained the emergency brake, as it asserts that it is essential in order to react in time to new variants.
Spain was the last country to remove COVID-19 restrictions on travellers from outside the EU on October 21, permitting them to enter without having to complete a health form or present proof of vaccination, testing or recovery.
Prior to Spain, Luxemburg had removed all COVID-19 restrictions on October 1. The two were the last countries in Europe to still keep entry restrictions in place.
The Coronavirus pandemic had affected all sectors in Europe, but in particular, it had brought the travel and tourism sector to its knees, after in March 2020, all travel to, from, and within Europe was almost completely halted.
While the industry has yet to recover, it has been predicted that by the end of 2023, European tourism will recover at least 75 per cent of its 2019 figures.
According to the European Travel Commission (ETC), the air travel industry has recovered best, with its August flight volumes being just 11 per cent below August 2019 levels.
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