EU Suggests Timeline for Removing Travel Restrictions

Certain European Union countries should lift internal border restrictions on travel by June 15, the European Commission said June 11. The press release said the 26 Schengen Area member states of Western Europe are among these countries. While the commission is not proposing an EU-wide lifting of travel restrictions “given that the health situation” in certain countries is still “critical,” the restrictions should be lifted for other nations that are no longer experiencing health issues and that can “apply containment measures during travel.” The EU wants to remove restrictions on travel to the EU starting July 1, EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said. “International travel is key for tourism and business,” she said. “While we will all have to remain careful, the time has come to make concrete preparations for lifting restrictions with countries whose health situation is similar to the EU's.”