[RT] France has threatened to quarantine incoming Spanish nationals, after the government in Madrid announced it would quarantine all incoming travelers. Across Europe, the reopening of borders is anything but smooth.The Spanish government announced on Wednesday that all travelers arriving from overseas will be subject to a 15-day quarantine, effective from Friday. Arrivals from France will be quarantined for 10 days, Reuters reported. These travelers will be locked down in their hotels or accommodation, and allowed out only to shop for groceries or visit healthcare facilities.
The Elysee Palace hit back on Thursday, warning that France would retaliate with a similar measure, should the Spanish plan go ahead. The retaliation would apply to all countries restricting access for French citizens, an official at the palace told Reuters.
These tit-for-tat restrictions appear to clash with the EU Commission's guidelines on re-opening, published on Wednesday. According to the guidelines' "principle of non-discrimination," member states should "allow travel from all areas, regions or countries in the EU with similar epidemiological conditions."
The overall aim of the EU's guidelines is to reopen much of the formerly borderless Schengen area in time for the vacation season, in a bid to save the union's vital tourism industry. Europe accounts for half of the global tourist market, so rescuing this industry is of vital importance for Brussels.
However, the EU has no power to actually dictate border policy, and can only urge its members to go along with its proposals. Ultimately, each state is responsible for its own borders. Though Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson told MEPs last week that the Commission rejects selective border openings, that hasn't stopped member states from making up their own rules....