The lifting of restrictions in the EU led to a revival of markets, an increase in business activity, and an increase in consumer spending of citizens. This forced analysts to revise their forecasts for the growth of the EU economy. But the bright prospects may be darkened by the rapidly spreading Delta strain of coronavirus.
After all, the countries of the bloc are again considering the issue of adopting antiquated measures.
Recently, the European Commission improved its forecast for GDP growth in the euro area to 4.8% this year after a record decline of 6.2% a year earlier. But this figure is achievable only if new lockdowns can be avoided.
Meanwhile, the authorities of Germany and France have warned compatriots against traveling to countries with the highest incidence rates in the EU – Spain and Portugal.
Maria Jesus Montero, Minister of Finance of Spain: “It is very important for us to maintain the flow of tourists during August, September and in the last weeks of July. Therefore, we are conducting a bilateral dialogue with all those countries that express concern about the situation.”
According to the decision of the Portuguese authorities, in order to stay in hotels and access to cafes and restaurants in many parts of the country, vacationers must be vaccinated or have a negative PCR test. Due to additional requirements, Europeans may reconsider their vacation plans.
Mariana Vieira da Silva, Minister of State of Portugal: “Entry to tourist sites will require a digital covid certificate or negative test. This measure does not restrict economic activity, but increases the level of security. This is its goal.”
The Netherlands has returned sanitary measures canceled two weeks ago, which will affect restaurants, nightclubs and public events due to a sevenfold increase in the number of coronavirus infections.
A similar decision was made by the authorities in Cyprus, where the number of cases of COVID-19 reached a record for this year.