European Union Devises a Three Stage De-Escalation Plan Which Could Save The Summer Season in Spain

The European Union is in the process of approving a three-stage guide for the de-escalation of the health emergency provoked by the coronavirus, which, if implemented properly, could save the summer season in Spain.

The plan is multifaceted and includes various recommendations for, lifting border controls, tourism, and protections for the consumer. These measures aim to coordinate an organized exit out of the crisis and similarly avoid a stampede of mismatched national measures.

The Commission’s document establishes a clear route in which to advance out of this exceptional situation which calls for an exceptional regulation on the restrictions of movement. This would be considered phase 0.

If phase 0 is the exceptional restriction of movement between member states, then phase 1 is the progressive exit out of quarantine measures which will vary from country to country and can be considered as the most delicate phase.

Phase 1 will have to employ nation-specific measures and be very controlled to avoid another spike in contagions. This phase is also critical in determining whether a country can salvage the rest of the summer season. Phase 2 will be a general lifting of these limitations of movement and border controls within the EU.

The document notes that “if epidemiological developments maintain their positive trend, then travel restrictions and border controls must be gradually withdrawn across the EU”.

Moving from one phase to another will depend on the evaluation of each country’s progress but the document notes that “coordination should be increased” during this process to avoid generating confusion and distrust amongst citizens.

Mobility between states who find themselves in the same phase should be unlimited, as long as the correct security protocols are applied in the means of transports and activities which encompasses rental cars, boats, museums, attractions etc.

With this reasoning, if France, Portugal and Spain find themselves in the same phase then tourists would be allowed to travel with more freedoms between the states as long as the correct security protocols are employed to guarantee safety.

The Commission recommends that citizens be given the means to strengthen their own protection, be it by being equipped with material or with clear information about regulations upon arriving to each Member State. For example, an informative SMS has been suggested for customers entering new countries.

When focusing on travel and tourism, the EU has stated that “With proper, safe and coordinated management, the coming months could allow Europeans to enjoy a needed rest, relaxation and fresh air, and to meet again with their friends and family, whether in their own country or crossing borders”.

However, the Commission has stated that their objective is not only to facilitate the summer for member residents but to save a pivotal industry which is in danger. This industry is essential for the continent as the summer months cause “EU citizens to make an average of 385 million tourist trips (June-August) and spend 190 billion euros”.