The Federal Government should not announce this officially until tomorrow, however, in the event of an accident.
Austria plans to open the border to Italy from mid-June, should the epidemiological development speak for it, the Italian news agency ANSA reported on Tuesday, citing “informed” but unspecified sources.
How ANSA also reported, citing a communication from the South Tyrolean People’s Party (SVP), also confirmed Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) opposite SVP Chairman Philipp Achammerthat Vienna “is ready to restore full freedom of movement with Italy as soon as the epidemiological situation permits, perhaps as early as the middle of the month”.
State Department can “not yet confirm” report
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman in Vienna, Peter Guschelbauer, was at least “not yet able to confirm” the opening of the border to Italy from the middle of the month. Guschelbauer referred to the round table on freedom of travel tomorrow in Vienna. Italy would also be discussed there, he said. Take at the round table Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, Interior Minister Karl Nehammer, Minister of Europe Karoline Edtstadler (all ÖVP) and Minister of Health Rudolf Anschober (Greens) part. After that, a press conference is scheduled at which further travel easing – especially with neighboring countries – is to be announced. Nachrichten.at will broadcast the press conference live from 1 p.m. on Wednesday.
Good prospects when traveling to South Tyrol
According to the ANSA, the opening of the border to Italy should coincide with other neighboring countries that are less affected by the corona pandemic in the event of a resumption of Austria’s freedom to travel. If freedom of travel is not restored for all of Italy on June 15th, Vienna would at least consider restoring it with those Italian regions that have positive epidemiological data, it said. If opening the border to the whole of Italy is not possible, the proposal of South Tyrol to allow travel “to South Tyrol and other regions with a positive trend” will be evaluated.
Achammer and Governor of South Tyrol Arno Kompscher (SVP) welcomed Chancellor Kurz’s announcement. During a telephone conversation with Kurz, Achammer emphasized the positive epidemiological trend in South Tyrol. In short, statements are “an important signal for a further step towards a return to normal”.
Exact date not yet known
With Germany, the Switzerland and Liechtenstein Austria has already agreed to fully open the border from June 15. The entry restrictions too Czech Republic, the Slovakia and Hungary are also likely to fall in mid-June. The four countries had agreed in principle to this last week, but an exact date is still missing. There can also be hope for an opening of the border Slovenia, which has so far been waiting in vain for positive signals from Vienna. “The development with Slovenia is very positive and I believe that we are on the right track here,” said Schallenberg on Sunday.
Across from ItalyThe foreign minister continued to be cautious on Sunday, withdrawing his entry restrictions on Wednesday. “As the Minister of Health said clearly on Thursday, we are closely monitoring developments in Italy. Especially the crisis region of Lombardy and the surrounding regions close to Austria.”
Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) stressed on Friday that the situation in Italy, which was badly affected by the corona pandemic, was the most difficult. However, efforts are being made to find solutions promptly. “We won’t be able to disclose details before Wednesday,” said Kurz.
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