Towards a phased and coordinated approach for restoring freedom of movement and lifting internal border controls

Summary:

Communication published by the European Commission on 13 May 2020, proposing a common approach to restore free movement and lifting restrictions at EU internal borders, in the context of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Further information:

The health emergency caused by the virus outbreak - alongside the absence of effective treatment or vaccine - led to far-reaching community measures, including confinement and physical distancing. For almost all Member States, restrictions to free movement - including temporary internal border controls - were part of these measures. In addition, non-essential travel restrictions were applied at the EU external borders (extension of which was last proposed earlier in the month), also supported by guidance.

The purpose of this Communication is to invite Member States to engage in a process of re-opening unrestricted cross-border movement within the EU, as public health conditions improve. Restoring the free movement of persons and the lifting of internal borders controls needs to be a staged process, with paramount consideration being the lives and health of citizens.

Re-opening cross-border movement is one of the preconditions for restoring tourism and transport across the European Union. This Communication was put forward as part of a package of initiatives addressing the recovery of those sectors, spearheaded by an umbrella Communication.

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