Police officers check vehicles in a parking lot shortly after the German-Czech border in Waidhaus, Germany, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Germany's tightened entry rules at the border with the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Tyrol to protect against dangerous variants of the coronavirus came into force two days ago. (source: TASR/AP)
Germany is under pressure from the European Commission due to its border closures. The German authorities are to explain the ban on entry for people arriving from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and the Austrian region of Tyrol.
In its letter from Monday, February 22, to Germany's Permanent Representative to the EU, Michael Clauss, the European Commission stressed that the measures taken by Germany are “disproportionate and groundless,” the TASR newswire reported.
“We believe that the objective Germany is rightfully following – the protection of public health during the pandemic – could be attained with less restrictive means,” the letter reads, as quoted by TASR.“We believe that the objective Germany is rightfully following – the protection of public health during the pandemic – could be attained with less restrictive means,” the letter reads, as quoted by TASR.
The DPA newswire pointed out that this quarrel could possibly lead to a court hearing between the European Commission and Germany.
Measures too strict
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Hungary and Sweden received similar letters about inappropriate measures taken at their national borders.
In its guidelines, the Commission did not recommend closing the borders between member states and pointed out the need to maintain the free movement of people and goods.
Member states also agreed by the beginning of February that border restrictions should not threaten international transport.
Germany placed the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Tyrol on a list related to the dangerous mutation of the coronavirus, meaning that most people from these countries and region are banned from entering Germany.
Exceptions apply to lorry drivers, but they have to carry proof of a negative Covid-19 test.
Slovakia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Ivan Korčok, sent a diplomatic note to Germany last week, but did not succeed with his complaint.
