On Friday, June 5, Interior Minister Sandis Girgens will participate in the informal videoconference of the European Union's (EU) home affairs ministers, which will discuss the necessary steps to restore the normal functioning of the Schengen area, as well as the issue of people's entry from third countries.
“Priority should be given to the re-introduction of free circulation in the Schengen area, and only then can a gradual and coordinated lifting of the entry limit to third countries be started. A good balance needs to be found between stimulating our economy and ensuring a safe health environment for our society", says Minister of Interior Sandis Girgens.
At the meeting, the Interior Minister will stress that the lifting of the entry limit for third countries should be based on reliable epidemiological data. A transparent, objective and regularly renewable list of third countries to which the entry ban could be lifted should be established. Such a list could be established by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDPC) in cooperation with the World Health Organisation. The Council should be involved if necessary. The Minister will also point out that, at the same time, travellers from other third countries who are not included in such a list should continue to be able to enter the European Union for important reasons.
Prepared by:
Beata Jonite
Advisor to the Minister of the Interior for Communications
Mob. : 28351588
E-mail: beate.jonite@iem.gov.lv