Europe's borders are being reopened, what will happen to non-EU countries?

From today, June 15, the EU's internal borders will be almost completely open. But what about the non-EU countries, the Balkans?

The European Commission has recommended to member states that as of July 1, depending on the development of pandemics, travel restrictions be lifted, the epidemiological situation of which corresponds to the EU average and where there is sufficient capacity to treat the virus.

Initially, the Western Balkans, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro and Bosnia will have to remain on the list.

The EU's internal borders are almost completely open

Meanwhile, EU countries have meanwhile begun opening up internal borders.

Poland

As early as Friday, Poland, after nearly three months, opened its borders to all neighboring countries. Restrictions on Lithuania were initially lifted, and on Saturday morning the border with Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia was opened. For non-EU member states, this change is not valid at first, because in countries like North America and Latin America the situation is still worrying. Controls with Ukraine, Belarus and Kaliningrad remain in place.

Germany

Germany lifts travel restrictions on June 15 with EU and Schengen countries such as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway. With other third countries, the restriction continues until August 31, but there will be changes during this time based on the development of pandemics.

France

France lifts restrictions on June 15 on EU countries. This is done in accordance with the recommendations of the European Commission, the Foreign Ministry in Paris announced. The borders open to EU countries as well as Andorra, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican. There are still exceptions for Spain and the United Kingdom, including the two-week quarantine obligation for those entering these countries. For countries outside the Schengen area, France opens its borders on July 1 step by step. The opening will depend on "health status in third countries".

Czech Republic

The country opens its borders on Monday to citizens of almost all EU countries, as well as Switzerland, Lichtenstein. This is made possible by the good epidemiological development, argued the Ministry of Health in Prague. The travel ban applies to citizens from Belgium, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and the Voivod region in Silesia. These are still considered risky regions due to the number of infections.

Norway opens its borders with all neighboring countries on Monday. There are still regional rules with Sweden.

/ DW /