On Monday, 11 European Union countries agreed on a set of rules to create a safe environment for summer vacations in Europe amid the coronavirus pandemic.

 

 “The agreement was announced after a videoconference with the participation of the foreign ministers of Greece, Cyprus, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, Croatia, Portugal, Malta, Slovenia and Bulgaria. It is based on guidelines issued last week by the European Commission and is intended to coordinate the opening of borders to tourists, ”the statement said.

 

In a joint statement, the ministers noted that they have agreed on four guiding principles, in particular that a phased approach agreed between EU states is the best way to gradually normalize cross-border travel.

 

A key priority is restoring travel so that infections don't spill over the top.

 

Other principles include ensuring that citizens who travel freely in Europe can also return home safely, and that the gradual restoration of freedom of cross-border movement will take place subject to positive trends in epidemiological situations in countries of origin and destination.

 

“We encourage travel companies and related private actors to use the coming weeks to take appropriate measures to protect travelers once freedom of movement and travel has been restored. We believe this is an important element in restoring public confidence in travel safety, ”the statement said.

 

Visa Section Manager

Alexander Popovich