12 June

The European Union has recommended that member states gradually lift restrictions on travel from outside the bloc from July 1, and draw up a list of countries for which restrictions can be removed.

The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, had asked member states to extend the bloc's travel restrictions until June 15. The measure has been in place as part of the EU's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said the decision to lift restrictions for a specific country should be based on the epidemiological situation in the country, and whether that country has allowed access for EU travelers.

She added the list of countries with access will be drawn up after discussions by member states.

The Commission also recommended that member states ease internal border controls from June 15.

Tourism is a key industry in the EU, accounting for about 10 percent of the bloc's GDP. Calls for relaxing travel restrictions have been rising before the summer vacation season to rebuild the industry, which has been hit hard by the pandemic.

nhk