Merkel Officially Announced the European Union Is Closing Its Borders

In the next 30 days, only European citizens and their families, citizens of the UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, as well as persons with EU residence permits will be able to enter the European Union. EU countries have agreed to ban the entry for third-country nationals. This was announced on Tuesday, March 17, by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The ban is introduced for at least 30 days and takes effect immediately. Only EU citizens and members of their families, citizens of Great Britain, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, as well as persons with a residence permit in the EU can enter the European Union. Entrance of representatives of third countries will be allowed only in “urgent” cases, according to German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer. Free movement of cargo and goods At the same time, there is a need to ensure the free movement of cargo and goods across the border, emphasized Merkel. According to her, at the moment there are “some difficulties” at the border. The German Chancellor also noted that there should be no problems for people who regularly cross the border to travel to work. According to the World Health Organization, Europe is currently the center of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic.