BRUSSELS – The European Union has posted an updated list of countries for which it is recommended to lift the restrictive measures imposed on optional travel to the EU due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including Ukraine and removing the other two.
The corresponding list was announced by the press service of the EU Council on July 15.
“Following a review under the recommendation on the gradual lifting of the temporary restrictions on non-essential travel into the EU, the Council updated the list of countries, special administrative regions and other entities and territorial authorities for which travel restrictions should be lifted. In particular, Rwanda and Thailand were removed from the list and Ukraine was added to the list,” the EC said.
The press release also says that based on the criteria and conditions set out in the recommendation, as from July 15 member states should gradually lift the travel restrictions at the external borders.
The decision to include Ukraine in the list due to favorable factors associated with reducing the threat of coronavirus was made at a meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU member states (at the level of ambassadors).
The list of countries for which it is recommended to allow travel to the EU is reviewed every two weeks.
As earlier reported, on June 30, 2020, the Council adopted a recommendation to gradually remove temporary restrictions on non-essential travel to the EU. This recommendation included an initial list of countries for which member states can remove travel restrictions at external borders.
On May 20, the Council adopted a recommendation to amend in response to ongoing vaccination campaigns by introducing certain exemptions for vaccinated persons and relaxing the criteria for lifting restrictions for third countries. At the same time, the amendments take into account the possible risks associated with new options, establishing an emergency braking mechanism that allows to quickly respond to the emergence of a new option or deterioration of the situation in a third country.
The Council’s recommendation is not a legally binding document. The authorities of the member countries remain responsible for their implementation.
