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Following the marathon talks in Brussels, the ambassadors of the member states compiled a list of countries that are considered safe, and attached a recommendation to the European Council.
The ambassadors first approved the criteria to be considered to remove travel restrictions on foreign nationals, and then compiled a list of 15 countries based on them. Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia are not included in the list, which means that restrictions on citizens of these countries will remain in force even after July 1.
More than two weeks ago, the European Commission proposed that EU borders be opened to all countries in the Western Balkans from July 1, but since then the situation has deteriorated significantly with the increase of cases with Covid-19.
Restrictions will not be lifted on US citizens, Brazil or Russia, and China is considered a safe country. The main condition for reopening the borders was that countries outside the EU have an infection rate of 16 or less per 100,000 inhabitants. Sources close to the EU claim that restrictions on citizens traveling for seasonal work, studies, and diplomats and health workers will be excluded. However, this remains merely a recommendation, as it is ultimately up to the member states to decide whether or not to open the borders.