There is a thick air between the Belgian government and the EU Commission with regard to the extension of the travel ban: The leadership of the alliance feels that its member is inadequately informed and even accuses the media of having heard of the measure.

If there should be a need for discussion between the European Union and the Belgian government, the travel ban would at least not be an obstacle, because the distances are short. “International Brussels” and “national Brussels” have different views on who provided whom, when and what information.

The EU Commission claims that the Belgian government informed them that the travel ban would be extended until April 1, 2021. The media then learned that it should apply until March 18, 2021. Now the EU is also insisting that the measure violates EU law and should also be disproportionate. According to a spokesman for the Commission, Belgium also received a letter demanding that the measures be brought into line with EU law.

Other countries also received mail

But other members also received unpleasant mail from “international Brussels”. For example, Germany, Finland and Hungary were asked to take a position on their at least partial border closings or entry bans for non-citizens. According to its own statements, the EU Commission received replies from Belgium, Germany and Finland, which are now being examined.

The European Union could initiate infringement proceedings, but given the many solo efforts that took place during the pandemic, these border closings are unlikely to be of any consequence. In any case, the EU Commission endeavors to ensure that travel within the Union territory is largely unrestricted.