European Union asks Germany not to close its borders

The European Union asks Germany again “not to close borders between member states”, an EU commissioner said.

“The Commission remind European Member States that we need to return to a coordinated approach to all actions related to the free movement of people and goods,” Commissioner Justice  Didier Reynders said in a video message previously published on social media to a virtual EU-Minister meeting.

Furthermore, ministers are expected to discuss a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including border closings and a vaccination campaign, in preparation for the EU virtual leaders summit on Thursday.

EU executives have issued a letter asking the six member states to return to the proper implementation of the travel restriction recommendations, Reynders added.

Which members received letters from European Union?

While Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Hungary have received the letters. Christian Wigand, a spokesman for the European Commission, told a daily press conference.

Last week, the EU body sent letters to all EU countries advising them not to close borders. Also reminding them of their decision last October to apply the same principles when introducing travel restrictions.

These restrictions were “excessive”, Reynders said, adding that “it may be acceptable to advise against travel. But not restrictions on travel from one Member State to another“.

European Union asks Germany because it closed its borders on February 14. Because the Czech Republic and Austria’s Tyrol host the new variant of the coronavirus. Whereas only returning German citizens and key workers can enter the country.

The move has come under heavy criticism because cross-border workers can no longer go to work. They also can’t return to their homes every day.

“It is very important for us to work together on the same type of digital certificate for medical purposes,” said Reynders.

“We will see in the coming months if there is a way to use this certificate to facilitate travelers, for example,” he added.

He also emphasized that the European Commission does not want to require vaccination certificates on the way. So, those who have not received or do not wish to receive the COVID-19 vaccine have the option to undergo testing and quarantine.

In January, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis proposed a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. It was indeed for travel across the EU to save the upcoming tourist season.