<article><p class="lead">EU member states had a first formal discussion today about a proposal to lift restrictions on non-essential travel into the bloc. </p><p>The European Commission made the proposal "to take into account the progress of vaccination campaigns and developments in the epidemiological situation worldwide". An official indicated that EU member states are positive about the idea, although concerns were raised during the initial discussions over recognition of third-country vaccine certificates. No indication was given of when EU countries might approve the commission's proposal. Once adopted, member states will retain competence over health matters and the imposition of quarantines and travel restrictions. </p><p>The commission's proposal includes expanding the list of countries with low infection rates from which people can travel into the EU for non-essential reasons. Currently, such travel is permitted for third-country nationals travelling into the EU from Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and, subject to reciprocity, China. The commission suggested that entry should also be permitted for anyone that has received the last recommended dose of an EU-authorised vaccine at least 14 days before arrival, regardless of where they are travelling from. </p><p>To counter the threat from new variants of Covid-19, the commission has proposed a new "emergency brake" that would enable member states to quickly and temporarily limit entry from affected countries. The commission has suggested that until the EU's own digital green certificate is operational, member states should accept certificates from non-EU countries. The recommendation put forward by the commission covers all EU member states except Ireland, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, which are members of the Schengen area.</p><p class="bylines">By Dafydd ab Iago</p></article>
