The EU wants to secure the credit cards of travel companies – E24

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Although a growing number of European countries have begun to reopen society, travel activity on the continent remains almost non-existent.

This may be the case soon, but on Wednesday the European Commission will propose how travel should be carried out in the near future. This is both to ensure the survival of travel companies and to maintain protection against infection.

To achieve this, the European Commission presents on Wednesday a five-point plan that includes:

• A comprehensive strategy to improve in 2020 and beyond
• A unified approach to restore free movement and lift restrictions on the EU’s internal borders in a gradual and coordinated manner
• A framework to support the gradual reintroduction of transport and ensure the safety of passengers and staff.
• A recommendation aimed at making credit notes an attractive alternative to cash rebates to customers.
• Criteria for the safe and gradual reopening of tourist activities, and for the development of health protocols for accommodation, such as hotels

– Tourism is vital to the single market and its four freedoms, and is a key contribution to the EU’s economic, social and cultural lifestyle. It has also been strongly influenced by the measures necessary to limit Covid-19, “said EU Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas in a comment.

It will make it attractive to travel later.

To make credit notes an attractive alternative to cash refunds in bankruptcy, the EU will insure them against bankruptcies for at least a year. The move is recommended as refunds result in high costs for travel operators, which in turn can lead to bankruptcy.

It is also recommended that such voluntary credit notes after one year be refundable, provided they are not used.

The European Commission believes that such a credit rating should give passengers sufficient flexibility. This is explained by the fact that customers must be able to travel on the same route and receive the same planned service.

“They should also be able to transfer to other travelers,” the European Commission writes of the plan.

Will not block the center seat of the aircraft

The European Commission will not recommend that airlines do not block the center seat, contrary to what Norwegian health authorities have previously demanded from the infection control supervisor for aviation here at home.

Instead, the European Commission wants a court order to use mouthwash on board the plane.

At the same time, the EU would recommend that European countries open the borders to other countries that have a risk of infection similar to theirs.

– Travel restrictions must first be removed in areas with a similar epidemiological situation and where there is sufficient capacity for hospitals, testing, monitoring and detection of infections, the document states.

The European Commission also proposes to extend travel restrictions for non-essential travel to the Schengen area until June 15.

At the same time, it is recommended that countries take into account those who need to visit relatives or others within the Schengen area. Here, Norway has already taken over.

Norway provides some EEA citizens

On Tuesday night, Justice Minister Monica Maeland told VG that she is opening that EEA citizens who have normally been able to enter Norway can now enter the country again.

“This means that more members of the family of EEA citizens, and EEA citizens who are members of the family of Norwegian citizens, can now travel to Norway,” Mæland wrote in an email to the newspaper.

In addition, the possibility was also opened for family members who did not previously reside in the country to come to Norway.

– Now we are open for entry to EEA citizens who visit children, spouses or partners. In addition to the spouse or minor child of the couple in Norway. Of course, underage citizens of the EEA should also visit their parents in Norway, says Maeland, emphasizing:

– I want to clarify that the quarantine rules apply. Everyone traveling to Norway must comply with the quarantine regulations in force at all times.