Freedom of movement and the resumption of tourist travel in the European Union should be implemented "gradually" and "cautiously" in order to prevent an increase in the number of people infected with coronavirus, the foreign ministers of the member states agreed on Thursday, reports N1.

Following a video conference on tourism on May 18, the ministers discussed, on Thursday, standards and measures to protect against the spread of coronavirus during the summer season.

"We agreed that it is necessary to gradually and carefully restore freedom of movement, bearing in mind the importance of tourism for the state's economy," Foreign and European Affairs Minister, Gordan Grlic Radman, told reporters after the meeting.

An important condition is that “the launch of tourism activities does not lead to an increase in the number of infected in the country of origin, transit and destination,” he added.

Ministers discussed deadlines and conditions for restricting movement, measures that countries plan to take to ensure safe travel and safe accommodation, and the mechanism to be used in the event of a new wave of pandemics.

Grlić Radman stated that 100,000 tourists have already entered Croatia. "Constant and clear communication with citizens is necessary" so that they get the necessary information, he said.

Asked by reporters whether a unified protocol of action had been agreed in the event of the spread of the infection, the minister just answered in the affirmative without details.

Earlier on Thursday, the European Commission recommended that border controls within the Schengen area be lifted by June 15th, and restrictions on travel to the EU for citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia and Serbia by July 1st. "International travel is key to tourism and business, and for family and friends reconnecting," EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, said.

The EU has also proposed to gradually open external borders to citizens of other third countries according to their epidemiological situation. "It will apply to all countries in a similar or better pandemic situation to the EU," Johansson added.