European Commission urges US travel ban to be lifted for Europeans
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, has demanded Washington lift entry restrictions for European citizens in an interview with German outlet RND published today.
“We insist that there are comparable rules for travellers in both directions. The epidemiological situation in the US and the EU today is very similar,” said the EU Commission President.
“We have to solve the problem as soon as possible and we are in contact with our American friends. That shouldn’t drag on for weeks,” she added.
US citizens have been able to enter the EU since mid-June when the bloc added the US to its “green list” regardless of their vaccination status.
The US government hoped to lift the ban soon, said Secretary of State Anthony Blinken later in June. He refused to give more details on when. The border restrictions over coronavirus concerns have persisted since.
Interviewed at her parents’ house in Lower Saxony, Von der Leyen also discussed her views on climate change and policy targets in relation to Europe, the US and China.