The European Commission wishes to ensure that all measures taken by Member States that restrict freedom of movement to the coronavirus pandemic be coordinated and clearly communicated at EU level. This proposal for a Council recommendation is a first step towards better cooperation and coordination between the 27 Member States.
The Commission's proposal sets out four key areas in which Member States should cooperate more closely:
- from common criteria and thresholds to Member States on whether to introduce travel restrictions;
- a mapping of the common criteria using a agreed colour code;
- a common framework for measures applied to travellers from high-risk areas;
- the provision of clear and timely information to the public regarding any restrictions.
In a statement, Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, explains the reasons behind the Commission's impatience: "We are proposing to our Member States a well-coordinated, predictable and transparent approach to travel restrictions when they are necessary, always putting public health first. We must avoid further disrupting already fragile economies and increasing the uncertainty of citizens, who have made huge sacrifices. This is what citizens expect from us after these long months of coexistence with COVID-19."
For Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice, "For the many citizens who need to be able to get around without difficulty on a daily basis, the cacophony of national rules within the EU is disorientating. Our aim is to simplify things."
Defining common criteria
The Commission proposes that each Member State take account of the criteria set out below when introducing restrictive measures:
- the total number of newly notified cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people in a given area over a 14-day period;
- the percentage of positive tests among all COVID-19 tests carried out in a given area over a seven-day period;
- the number of COVID-19 tests performed per 100,000 people in a given area over a seven-day period.
Member States should report these data weekly to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. They should also provide this data on a regional basis, so that any measures taken can target certain regions where control is required.
Colour coding for all
On the basis of the data provided by the Member States, the Commission proposes that the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control publish a map of EU countries, updated weekly, with a common colour code to help travellers. The Commission proposes the following colour code:
- green for areas where the total number of new cases of COVID-19 is less than 25 over a 14-day period AND that the percentage of positive tests in all COVID-19 tests is less than 3 %;
- orange for areas where the total number of new cases of COVID-19 is less than 50 over a 14-day period BUT for which the percentage of positive tests out of all the COVID-19 tests is equal to or greater than 3 %. Alternatively, the total number of cases of COVID-19 is between 25 and 150. BUT with a percentage of positive tests of less than 3 %;
- red for areas where the total number of new cases of COVID-19 exceeds 50 over a 14-day period AND that the percentage of positive tests among all COVID-19 tests is equal to or greater than 3 %, OR if the total number of new cases of COVID-19 exceeds 150 per 100,000 people over a 14-day period;
- grey if the information available is insufficient to assess the criteria proposed by the Commission.
"Member States should not refuse entry to their territory to persons travelling from other States.
The Commission is proposing total freedom of movement between Member States in green zones, with partial restrictions in orange zones.
In red or "high-risk" zones, the Commission is proposing a common approach for all Member States towards travellers in these zones. However, this would mean that Member States cease to refuse entry to their territory to persons travelling from other States.
Member States which introduce restrictions on free movement on the basis of their own decision-making processes could require :
- people travelling from a "red" or "grey" zone to undergo quarantine OR that they undergo a COVID-19 test on arrival - the latter being the preferred option;
Where justified, Member States could recommend that travellers coming from an area classified as "orange" undergo at least one COVID-19 test before departure or on arrival. Member States could require people coming from a "red", "amber" or "grey" area to also complete a locator form.
The Commission suggests that essential travellers should not be subject to quarantine.
Clear and timely information
The Commission is proposing that the Member States provide detailed information every week on forthcoming restrictions or their potential lifting. It would like to see a one-week deadline before new measures are applied.
The information should also be available on the "Re-open EU" application, with a link to the weekly map of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
Citizens and businesses need predictability. Member States must therefore minimise the social and economic consequences of travel restrictions. This includes providing the public with clear, comprehensive information that is available sufficiently in advance. This would enable EU travellers to make their own arrangements.
The Commission would point out that the right of European citizens to move and reside freely is at the very heart of the European Union's existence. At the same time, it is an important driver of the economy. Any restriction on the fundamental right to move freely within the EU should only be put in place where it is genuinely necessary. The Council will examine the Commission's recommendation with a view to adoption in the coming weeks.
