In the coming days the European Commission will publish proposals for an easing of its external border restrictions from July 1, the commission’s vice-president Josep Borrell announced on Wednesday.
Borrell explained the EU’s plan was to lift restrictions with certain countries whilst taking into account “a certain number of principles and criteria” and basing the move on “a common approach” between member states.
Further details on which countries will be included in the move to lift restrictions will be made clearer when the proposals are published.
The EU along with Schengen area countries like Switzerland and Norway closed their borders for any non-essential travel from outside Europe in mid-March.
The restrictions are currently set to stay in place until June 15, but will likely be extended until the end of the month.
EU officials have repeatedly stressed that restoring frictionless travel within Europe was their priority before opening up travel from outside Europe.
EU countries have been steadily reopening borders in recent days or making announcements when border restrictions will be dropped.
The majority of EU and Schengen countries have announced plans or a desire to reopen borders for European travel on June 15.
On Wednesday Austria announced its border with Italy would reopen on June 16, whilst Switzerland has made similar plans in recent days.
Italy reopened to travellers from Europe on June 3, but sparse arrivals have dimmed hopes of reviving the key tourism industry as the summer season begins.
