Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has received no opposition from his European colleagues to the announcement that Belgium is preparing to ban non-essential travel until the end of the Carnival holidays, Belga News Agency reports.
Several countries such as Austria, Denmark, Finland and Ireland have even supported the idea.
European Council President Charles Michel acknowledged after the summit that “measures restricting non-essential travel in the EU may be needed to contain the spread of the virus.”
At the same time, Michel cautioned that “borders need to stay open to ensure the functioning of the Single market, including the flow of essential goods and services.”
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De Croo is expected to raise the issue of travel with Belgium’s federated entities in the framework of the Consultative Committee. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke, Flemish Minister-President Jan Jambon and Flemish Welfare Minister Wouter Beke are in favour of banning tourist travel, according to Het Nieuwsblad.
While a ban on non-essential journeys seems to be on the table, Belgians from various walks of life are also hoping to see developments in other areas, such as contact professions and the hospitality industry.
Jason Spinks
The Brussels Times
