President of the European Council Charles Michel has announced EU's external borders will be closed for 30 days to combat the spread of the coronavirus. It's up to member states to implement the ban.
"The EU and its member states will do whatever it takes to address the current challenges," Michel announced.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen made the recommendation for the ban on Monday.“The less travel, the more we can contain the virus," she said. She noted that the idea got overwhelming support and the countries would work on how to implement the ban individually.
Travel within the European Union's 27 states will still be allowed, according to the new restriction. Repatriation will be arranged for citizens of member countries, said Michel. Long-term residents, family members of EU nationals and diplomats, as well as essential staff — such as medical experts or healthcare workers — will be exempt from the ban.
It was also announced fast-track lanes will be set up for freight trucks carrying goods like food or medical supplies, so they can avoid massive wait times that have become common on the borders of countries like Poland where coronavirus precautions have created bottleneck situations. Local media reported the lines were reaching 50 km (31 miles) and some were waiting for hours for approval to cross. Tadeuz Kucharski, the head of truck drivers' union described it as "one massive mess."
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