It’s no surprise the EU is keen to kick-start tourism. #COVID19 linked recession is hitting Europe hard. A summer season of deserted beaches, echoey night-clubs and empty hotel rooms would make things a whole lot worse. Tourism accounts for 10% of the European economy /1
Far more in the case of individual countries like Greece and Spain. But we’re not talking here about jumping from lockdown to European beach party overnight. There is no vaccine or treatment yet for COVID-19. EU countries are only just beginning to emerge from lockdown. /2
Many still have travel restrictions in place within their own borders. France for example has green zones where infection rates are lower and red zones where COVID 19 is more widespread. Germany and others closed national borders to EU neighbours at the height of the pandemic /3
EU as a whole, plus other members of Europe’s passport-free travel zone, Schengen, sealed themselves off to non-essential travel from the outside. So, the European Commission is suggesting a gradual approach... /4
First prioritising travel for goods and workers in the EU to help the smooth running of Europe’s single market; then opening EU up for European tourists– ensuring social distancing, hygiene and travel, transport and leisure activities aimed at protecting visitors from #COVID19 /5
Commission recommends that tracing apps EU countries are introducing to help contain the virus be designed to work for mobile phone users across Europe to still keep people safe while on holiday. And if infection rates still vary greatly within the EU come next month .. /6
Commission proposes starting with travel between European countries with similarly low corona virus levels. As with every step of lockdown lifting, the EU has been clear, if there’s a new peak in infection, restrictions may need to be re-imposed /7
It's also hoping that this times EU countries will better co-ordinate their actions. When comes to public health the Commission can advise and co-ordinate but member states decide /8
