EU must get balance right on borders being reopened for summer travel and tourism – or risk further division
EUROPE is slowly moving towards some form of normality. But the EU is on a tightrope, trying to frame a safe, unified approach in the 27 member states.
Just what is the EU trying to do?
When the coronavirus crash-landed upon everyone in February/March, the EU was slow, disunited and confused in its response.
The gradual – and risky – return to normality could sow similar confusion and division in reverse. That is what the policy-guiding European Commission is determined to avoid.
Brussels has now set out plans for a phased restart of some level of travel this summer. Tourism accounts for 10pc of EU states’ economic output, and one in eight jobs.
It’s not just about dreams of sunshine – millions of jobs are on the line and the already badly dented 2020 season cannot be entirely written-off.
So far – so very noble. But, if I have shelled out for a flight or a holiday package, can I have my money back?
It’s a very well-kept secret that the EU has done most to advance holidaymakers’ and business travellers’ rights dealing with airlines and travel companies. For 30 years now, it has been working on that case.
That leaves Brussels in a fix over whether to stick firmly to the rule that EU citizens mainly get cash refunds in the event of cancellations.
Against that there is the entire travel industry in coronavirus crisis. It threatens to fall apart with huge job losses and other carnage. There are strong arguments to allow companies to offer only vouchers for future travel and accommodation.
Many states favour vouchers and there are suggestions these could be garnished with special offers in a compromise move.
But if you insist on a refund – odds are that is your right. What is the extent of the damage to tourism and allied businesses?
Airlines around the continent have been forced to shed tens of thousands of jobs and some are on the brink of threatened closure.
Tourism is vital to southern EU countries which were already struggling with debt even before this virus.
These have been further affected by the economic disruption of coronavirus, with Greece, Italy and Spain especially in the firing line.
The world’s biggest tourism group, TUI, has announced it will cut 8,000 jobs due to losses of €750m in the first three months of 2020. Most other operators are making similar announcements.
But individual countries – including Ireland – are already working on their own roadmaps to unwind their lockdowns. Where does the EU fit in to this?
Decisions about reopening borders are the responsibility of each national government.
But this time around Brussels is urging the 27 EU states to take a co-ordinated approach to unwinding lockdowns. It does not want a repeat of what happened at the start of this crisis in March, when capitals just closed frontiers with little or no consultation.
These are “guidelines” – not binding instructions. In reality there will at least be glitches and contradictions. But things have to work better this time than they did at the start.
Member states’ political leaders might like to emulate their own citizens’ co-operative approach here.
Governments will be looking soon to Brussels for financial support to rebuild economies. So, how will this EU blueprint work?
The EU is proposing a threestage approach, starting with the current situation in which most travel across borders is banned and in reality almost non-existent.
In Phase Two, the EU wants border restrictions lifted between internal regions, and then member states which are at a similar stage of the pandemic, and where the health situation is improving.
In the final phase, all coronavirus-related border controls would be lifted and travel permitted throughout Europe once again. But health precautions would continue within each member state in consultation with the EU.
What else is the EU telling governments?
The EU wants governments to factor in economic and social factors as well as public health as they decide about reopening their borders. It recognises annual summer holidays are cherished by tens of millions of European families.
“Thisisnotgoingtobea normal summer. But when we all do our part we don’t
have to face a summer stuck at home or completely lost for the tourism industry,” EU Commission vice-president Margrethe Vestager of Denmark summed up as she unveiled the plans.
What is the EU message on public health?
There must be measures in place to minimise the risk of infection at all times and in all places.
Travellers should wear facemasks while on planes, trains and buses. The same applies at travel hubs such as airports, bus and railway stations. Fewer passengers may be allowed on board to allow them to maintain safe distancing, and buffet trolleys and dining cars will be shuttered. Hotels and restaurants will be urged to limit guest numbers so they can also respect social distancing rules.
EU countries are asked to voluntarily agree to ensure contact-tracing phone apps work across borders. This is to keep a close eye on the progress of the disease and quickly identify any hotspots.