Kosovo to be removed from EU safe travel list

English

Gazeta Express

30/08/2021 13:41

The EU is expected to decide on Monday of taking Kosovo off its safe travel list, due to surge of COVID-19 new cases. In addition to Kosovo also neighbouring countries of Montenegro and North Macedonia will be removed from the EU safe travel list.

The new decision if approved today means that Kosovo citizens travelling to the EU will face more restrictive measures such as quarantine and increased testing.

EU opened borders for the citizens of the Western Balkans in June, ahead of the summer season and after improving of the epidemiologic situation. But spread of delta variant of coronavirus has caused sharp increase of new infections over the last few weeks. For Kosovo to be in the EU safe travel list should have maximum 75 new infections for every 100,000 citizens in the last two weeks. Kosovo is above this percentage of new infections.

On Sunday Kosovo has registered 36 deaths from COVID-19 the highest number of fatalities recorded in one day since the pandemic began. As of Monday, authorities have reintroduced restrictions including a night curfew, cafes and restaurants will be allowed to work outdoor and will remain open until 21:30. Authorities have also decided to postpone new school year for two weeks to prevent further spread of virus. /GazetaExpress/