Covid-19: Coordinated EU Air Transport Plan is Essential, Says Greek Minister

Coordinated EU actions for the restart of air transport and a recovery package to support the tourism sector are the key areas of focus as Greece begins to lift coronavirus (Covid-19) containment measures, said Alternate Foreign Minister Militiadis Varvitsiotis.

Varvitsiotis underlined the importance of the EU coming up with a health boarding protocol that will be enforced throughout Europe and will be requested of all passengers.

The minister went on to add that tourism is high on the EU agenda thanks in large part to pressure exerted by Greece and other member states.

With regard to Greece’s decision to open to tourism in the coming months, Varvitsiotis said the government was expecting a unified border decision.

On Monday, Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis underlined the importance of a common EU strategy during a video conference of EU tourism ministers aimed at seeking ways revive travel and tourism.

Photo © GTP

Theoharis stressed the need for coordinated actions that will reinstate air, sea and road transport as well as ensure the safe movement of EU travelers through the introduction of health protocols at airports, hotels, public transport, restaurants and all tourism-related activities.

Varvitsiotis also announced that the budget will be adjusted to meet post-Covid-19 needs and that EU funding procedures will be accelerated for direct subsidies.