Emmanuel Macron: EU external borders to close from Tuesday

Travel will be suspended for 30 days, Macron said.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday evening that EU leaders decided to close the bloc’s external borders to travelers in an attempt to limit the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

“As of tomorrow noon, external borders of the European Union and the Schengen area will be closed,” Macron said in a televised address to the nation. “All travel between non-EU countries and the European Union will be suspended for 30 days,” he added.

He said French citizens would be able to get back to their home country.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said earlier Monday she had proposed a travel ban to EU heads of states. The ban is expected to be endorsed Tuesday at a summit of EU leaders, held via a video conference.

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