As summer approaches, the European Commission is trying to coordinate the resumption of tourism from third countries. And to give satisfaction both to those of the Twenty-Seven who want to see Chinese, Russians, British and Americans return as well as to those who are worried about the appearance of new variants and are campaigning for a very graduated approach. On Monday May 3, the community executive presented the proposals it has submitted to member states, knowing how delicate the subject is. Especially since when it comes to borders, they are ultimately free to do what they see fit.
Since March 2020, the European Union (EU) is closed for non-essential travel, except for six countries (Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand), whose fourteen-day Covid-19 incidence rate is less than 25 per 100,000 inhabitants. China could also claim this preferential treatment, but for that it would have to authorize, for its part, the Europeans to go to its soil. This is not the case, probably because of the incidence rate in Europe, averaging around 420.
Extend the list
“In reality, other countries have an incidence rate below 25, but this criterion is not automatic. Member States also take into account qualitative elements, such as the reliability of data or reciprocity ”, notes a European official. For the rest, only those who travel for essential reasons – nurses, sailors, or even those who have a compelling family reason – can go to the Old Continent, as long as they respect the rules (tests, quarantine, …) In force at their place of destination.
The Commission proposes to expand the list of third countries whose travelers are admitted to come to Europe and to open it to those whose 14-day incidence rate is less than 100 per 100,000 inhabitants – in the EU, only Finland (66), French Polynesia (29), even the Vatican (0) are at these levels. Today, the United Kingdom (46) or even Russia (89) could, for example, claim it, but not the United States (258).
Another change in relation to the current rules, the community executive wants people immunized with a vaccine authorized by the European Medicines Agency – at this stage, Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson – be allowed to enter the EU, provided they have received their last dose at least two weeks earlier. Member States wishing to do so will also be able to accept vaccines that have completed the WHO registration process for emergency use.
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