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BREAKING: The EU is announcing now a plan to restart #tourism in Europe this summer, with severe restrictions in place due to the #COVID19 pandemic. https://www.forbes.com/sites/davekeating/2020/05/13/eu-unveils-plan-to-reopen-tourism-this-summer/
VP @Vestager explains why they've decided not to suspend EU passenger rights law requiring refunds for cancellations, as requested by airlines.
She says some people who have lost their jobs could lose their entire holiday budget if forced to take a voucher they cannot use.
She says some people who have lost their jobs could lose their entire holiday budget if forced to take a voucher they cannot use.
"This is your right. Full Stop" Vestager says.
"At the same time, there is a liquidity crunch. If one would like to support the airlines by taking a voucher, this can be made attractive"
"At the same time, there is a liquidity crunch. If one would like to support the airlines by taking a voucher, this can be made attractive"
Commissioner @ThierryBreton says his stance that national border closures are not desirable has not changed, and there are still not necessarily justifiable health reasons for these closures.
But because of the extreme circumstances, they're leaving this decision to countries.
But because of the extreme circumstances, they're leaving this decision to countries.
"This is why we would prefer zones, regions where you might see a different situation with the pandemic," Breton says.
"We recommend more and more to look at regions rather than countries. But the decision, in both cases, will need to be taken by local health authorities."
"We recommend more and more to look at regions rather than countries. But the decision, in both cases, will need to be taken by local health authorities."
Asked about how these restrictions will apply to tourists who like to go to Europe's most popular beaches, or festivals, @Vestager says "If you travel for crowds, this will be a very difficult summer"
"In most member states, until the end of August you can’t have big gatherings"
"In most member states, until the end of August you can’t have big gatherings"
Vestager says Commission's stance on need for border closures hasn't changed.
"The virus doesn’t respect national borders borders that were created by wars in previous centuries. The virus travels with people if we don’t do as we’re supposed to do. – sanitize and keep distance."
"The virus doesn’t respect national borders borders that were created by wars in previous centuries. The virus travels with people if we don’t do as we’re supposed to do. – sanitize and keep distance."
EU Health Commissioner @SKyriakidesEU outlining now the conditions for opening #tourism:
COVID cases decreasing and stabilized for some time
Sufficient hospital capacity for both locals and tourists
Sufficient testing capacities at large scale
Contact tracing in place
COVID cases decreasing and stabilized for some timeSufficient hospital capacity for both locals and touristsSufficient testing capacities at large scaleContact tracing in place
Transport Commissioner @AdinaValean says Commission cannot suspend EU passenger right to a refund as airlines have requested.
“Human protection is a fundamental principle in EU, and a key element of citizens' expectations for the European Union. We have not forgotten our role."
“Human protection is a fundamental principle in EU, and a key element of citizens' expectations for the European Union. We have not forgotten our role."
EU Home Affairs Commissioner @YlvaJohansson specifies that the non-discrimination requirements *will* apply to UK citizens, since we're still in transition period. They cannot be excluded.
But that means UK also can't discriminate entry based on EU nationality.
But that means UK also can't discriminate entry based on EU nationality.
Europe's airlines are furious with today's EU #tourism plan, complaining there's no binding measures.
"The lack of leadership from the EC will not alleviate and could even contribute to the financial distress of airlines and the wider tourism industry." https://www.forbes.com/sites/davekeating/2020/05/13/eu-unveils-plan-to-reopen-tourism-this-summer/
"The lack of leadership from the EC will not alleviate and could even contribute to the financial distress of airlines and the wider tourism industry." https://www.forbes.com/sites/davekeating/2020/05/13/eu-unveils-plan-to-reopen-tourism-this-summer/
