EU27 leaders greenlight European border shutdown

The leaders of the EU27 bloc gave the nod on Tuesday to the Commission’s proposal for a 30-day non-essential travel ban from third countries to the EU, as the Union is struggling to find a coordinated response to the COVID-19 emergency.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that “a unanimous and united approach” was endorsed and that member states ”would “immediately” move to the implementation of the measure, as several member states have already unilaterally shut their borders.
She also highlighted the need to keep EU’s supply chain functioning, saying that “the flow of goods has to be swift, we need these goods for the functioning of the internal market.”
The ban, which can be extended if necessary, aims at lifting internal border control measures recently imposed by several member states, and ensuring that health systems are not overwhelmed.
“The Union and its member states will do whatever it takes,” said EU Council President Charles Michel.
Movement within the European Union will still be allowed, however, EU citizens were urged to avoid all non-essential travel. EU leaders also agreed to coordinate on the repatriation of EU citizens.
The measure of the borders’ closure, won’t apply to the UK, cross-border professionals, social workers, medical professionals and scientists.