Switzerland to Open Borders Next Month... Italy Excluded

Published 14 May.2020 16:44(KST)

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunbyeol Kim] Switzerland will reopen its borders next month, which were closed in mid-March to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 14th (local time), according to local media Swissinfo, Karin Keller-Sutter, Minister of Justice, announced that an agreement was reached to lift movement restrictions with neighboring Germany, France, and Austria by June 15.

Minister Keller-Sutter said, "We have reached a consensus with neighboring countries to return to normal by reopening the borders," adding, "If conditions are met, tourism can resume from mid-June."

She added that the resumption of international rail connections, student exchange programs, and cross-border shopping trips will be decided at the end of this month when the federal government announces additional measures to ease COVID-19 lockdowns.

However, there are currently no plans to reopen the border with Italy, which was a hotspot for COVID-19 spread in Europe.

Earlier, the European Union (EU) executive commission, which acts as the EU's administrative body, issued recommendations the previous day for the gradual lifting of internal border controls, travel restrictions, and the resumption of tourism. Although Switzerland is not an EU member, it is part of the Schengen Agreement, which guarantees freedom of movement within the region.