Reciprocal deals decide EU border openings

Many European borders opened on 15 June, but in a patchy way with reciprocal deals between countries. In theory, European medical and health tourism can also resume.

The European Commission argues that Europeans and airlines will find this ad hoc approach both confusing and awkward to run.

It has called on all 27-member states and trade affiliates to lift all border restrictions by the end of June. This does not include the UK.

European Commissioner Ylva Johansson argues that there is a fast improving COVID-19 situation in many countries, saying “We are coming very close to a situation where we should lift all the internal border restrictions and border checks”.

The aim is for EU nations to end border checks and open up the EU and Schengen passport-free area again as the summer tourist season approaches.

The EU accepts that decisions to reopen will be taken at a national level, and some countries are worried that high death and infection numbers plus other concerns, make them very reluctant to accept people from so many countries. There remain concerns about Italy, plus non-members Russia, the UK and USA.