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Brussels is expected to present its recommendations for the opening of the tourist season and the gradual relaxation of internal borders today, with the final decisions of the Member States.
According to a document in the possession of the French Agency, the Commission is expected to propose a coordinated opening, as harmonious and non-discriminatory of the tourist season as possible.
The European Commission is expected to propose a three-pronged approach to open borders between member states, but it is unclear whether the commission will support the idea of creating “tourist corridors” through the conclusion of bilateral agreements between member states. reciprocal for its tourists its borders.
The first great proposal of Brussels is the countries that make it up. comparable epidemiological situation and they have taken precautionary measures to be treated in the same way.
For example, if Austria opens its borders with Germany, it must do the same with the Czech Republic if this country is in a position comparable to that of Germany. Similarly, when one country opens its borders to another, it must do so for all the inhabitants of that country, regardless of whether or not they have citizenship.
At the same time, the Commission will urge Member States to make appropriate decisions based on and in consultation with each other on the health assessment of the situation in each country.
This issue of restoring free movement within the Schengen area is vital for European tourism, a sector that represents 10% of EU GDP and 12% of employment.
Thorn the theme of cancellations
Relative to the coupons for those who canceled their tickets With the airlines, although it has been announced that they will be adopted, a new round of negotiations will be put on the table to make final decisions.
According to EU regulations Consumers are entitled to a refund, but many travel agencies and airlines want to lend to customers.
According to a document seen by the French agency, “carriers and travel agencies must follow a common approach, offering passengers and travelers an attractive choice between refunds, in accordance with their European-based rights.” or the acceptance of coupons. In order to encourage passengers and travelers to receive coupons instead of refunds, the coupons must be protected against any publisher insolvency and be refundable after a maximum of one year. “
It is recalled that at the end of April, twelve European countries asked the Commission to suspend the obligation imposed on airlines to compensate passengers whose trip was canceled due to the coronation, in order to support an industry affected by the crisis.
The Commission intends to send a letter to all Member States to remind them of European legislation on this subject, according to a source familiar with the matter.
What is Greece asking for?
The Greek government is in favor of a rapid return to freedom of movement in Europe, according to unofficial document submitted to the Commission and it has the Politico website.
“Our goal is to work towards resuming travel between European countries from June 15, when possible,” the document said, and Athens called for “fair treatment” of all potential travelers so that there is no “discrimination.” based on nationality “in travel protocols.
“We cannot allow the unification of the single market in the field of tourism services,” says the text, urging Greece to allow Europeans to travel and then be able to return home easily and quickly: there should be no “quarantine measures or other disproportionate or restrictive requirements upon return, “said Athens at a time when Spain announced a 14-day quarantine for those entering the country and for Spaniards returning home.
In other respects, the government does not require the opening of all borders, and where the Commission’s proposals so far are vague in detail, Greece urges all passengers to be checked for antibodies or coronation three days before traveling, asking for “understanding on the part of all” at a European level.
Alternatively, the Greek proposal states that controls are not required “for travel between regions … which have demonstrated with clear continuous evidence that the situation with Covid-19 is under control.”
There is another problem in the Greek document, says Politico, since it is about the country with many islands: simultaneously with the appropriate protocols. We cannot allow the most remote areas of the EU. leave it behind “.
As for planes, “all seats must be filled” as if the middle seats remained empty “flights will not be profitable with questionable health benefits”
Gerapetritis: testing on three levels
Yesterday, the Minister of State, George Gerapetritis, described today as critical, while speaking of the Greek government’s effort on three levels:
- Strengthening of health structures in all areas.
- Put pressure on the EU to make decisions that are not detrimental to national interests and that do not affect the health performance of all our organizations.
- Transnational agreements, so that we have direct transport of tourists.
“It is crucial to welcome tourists from countries with fewer cases,” he said.
Regarding what will happen with the quarantine, the Minister of State was categorical: “There is no case of quarantine for visitors who come to our country.” There will be a test in your countries and possibly a thermometer upon arrival in our country. From there, we will take measures so that, even if there is a case of non-dissemination (…) It is absolutely dissuasive to raise the issue of quarantine, we will have a firm position on it and at the EU level. “
Regarding the calendar, he also said that from 6/15 there will be a relative release of flights based on the EU decision, while gradually, from 7/1 if everything goes well, “we will be able to welcome tourism incoming”.
