The European Union's external borders should remain shut for another month until 15 June due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a recommendation from the bloc's executive.
"Despite progress in many European countries, the situation worldwide is very fragile," European Commission vice-president Margaritis Schinas said.
The EU's first priority is reinstating total freedom of movement within its own borders before it allows visitors from outside, the commission said in a statement.
"Restrictions on free movement and internal border controls will need to be lifted gradually before we can remove restrictions at the external borders," EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said.
The EU's first priority is reinstating total freedom of movement within its own borders. Source: Getty Images Europe
All 27 EU countries except Ireland agreed in mid-March to stop non-essential travel into the European Union in order to slow the spread of the virus.
Ireland and non-EU member Britain are part of a common travel area, making it hard for officials in Dublin to sign up to the EU measures.
The closely associated non-EU members of Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland also agreed to participate, taking the number of European countries involved to 30.
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