The EU is set to open its borders to vaccinated holidaymakers this summer, after national ambassadors Wednesday agreed to allow inoculated non-EU travelers visit without restrictions.
Welcoming the agreement, which still needs to be approved by the European Council, a European Commission spokesperson said the move would “help progressively resume international inbound travel.”
The Commission announced earlier this month its intention to ease restrictions on non-essential travel to the EU, providing travelers are fully vaccinated with an EMA-approved jab.
Until recently, the Commission had only proposed lifting restrictions on arrivals from seven non-EU countries — Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand — with a similar plan for Chinese travelers pending a deal on reciprocity.
Ambassadors are expected to confirm the roster of non-EU countries to make it onto the EU’s widened green list — meaning individuals can travel to Europe without restrictions — on Friday.
One EU official told POLITICO there is a “high chance” that the United Kingdom will make it onto the list, while another said the United States is expected to be included. Commission officials said earlier this month they expected Israel would also make it onto the list.
Ambassadors also agreed on a new “emergency brake” mechanism that allows countries to act to counter the spread of any new coronavirus variants, according to the Commission spokesperson.
This article is part of POLITICO’s premium policy service: Pro Mobility. From the digitization of the automotive sector to aviation policy, logistics and more, our specialized journalists keep you on top of the topics driving the Mobility policy agenda. Email [email protected] for a complimentary trial.
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