May 13, 2020
The Greek government has presented a set of proposals to the European Union (EU) for restarting tourism and general travel throughout Europe.
Politico reports that the Greek proposal was submitted by Athens to the European Commission ahead of Wednesday’s meeting of the College of Commissioners.
Government officials were quoted as stating “Our objective is to work toward reopening travel between EU countries by June 15, where possible,” according to Politico.
The report added that while Athens wants to ensure that there is no “nationality travel bias” in protocols drafted by the Commission, it does want a “common understanding” that travelers within the EU will have to be tested for the coronavirus, or its antibodies, before their trips.
However, it said, tests will not be required for travel between areas “which have demonstrated clear and persistent evidence that the Covid-19 situation is under control.”
Apparently eager to restore tourism to the Greek islands, Athens is reportedly pushing for there to be “no discrimination or differentiation by means of travel.”
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“Means of transport by road, air, train or sea (must) reopen at the same time and with proportionate protocols. We cannot allow more remote (member countries) of our Union to be left behind,” Politico reported the Athens officials as saying.
The European Commission is expected to present a proposal for a staged lifting of travel restrictions across internal borders within the bloc, beginning with regions which have managed to contain the virus.
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