EU Travel Restrictions Closing Doors... "Mandatory Quarantine for Severe COVID-19 Areas"

Infection Situation Designated as 'Dark Red' in Severe Areas

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] The European Union (EU), where the risk of the spread of new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) variants is increasing, is considering restricting non-essential travel such as tourism and vacations between countries.

On the 21st (local time), the leaders of the 27 EU member states held a virtual summit and agreed to restrict cross-border movement for purposes such as tourism and visiting relatives, and are discussing specific implementation measures, AFP reported.

The European Commission proposed at the meeting to designate regions within the bloc with severe COVID-19 infection situations as "Dark Red" areas. Residents of Dark Red areas traveling elsewhere will be required to undergo a COVID-19 test before departure and quarantine upon arrival.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said at a press conference after the meeting in response to questions about the spread of variant viruses, "The situation is very serious," and added, "All non-essential travel across borders or within countries must be stopped." Charles Michel, President of the European Council, also emphasized, "We need to consider restricting non-essential movement."

However, movement of personnel for logistics or business purposes will be allowed without restrictions. French President Emmanuel Macron explained at the meeting that from the 24th, all travelers visiting France will be required to submit a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result.

The member state leaders also discussed the issue of issuing COVID-19 vaccination certificates but failed to reach an agreement.

However, they reached a consensus on the need for a common stance regarding the issuance of vaccination certificates.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.