Greece managed the pandemic crisis with remarkable success through a collective effort based on immediate measures that were guided by the recommendations of the scientific community. Now that our efforts are bearing fruit, and having always the protection of public health as priority, we are in a position to move ahead, step by step, to opening not only the economy, but also Greek tourism.
The Greek authorities are very cautiously drafting the relevant travel and health protocols, and we hope we will soon be in a position to once again safely host visitors in our country. In this effort, we are collaborating closely with the European Commission based on the guidelines that it issued, which we believe are in the right direction. We are also working with our partners in the EU. In this context there is a very important initiative from my German counterpart, Heiko Maas, for the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, Austria, Croatia, Portugal, Malta, Slovenia, Cyprus and Bulgaria to discuss on Monday the broadest possible coordination of our policies on tourism and the gradual lifting of border controls, with the aim of restoring free and safe travel within the EU. Moreover, on a joint initiative from myself and my colleague from North Macedonia, on 19 May all the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the region (member states of the EU and countries of the Western Balkans) will discuss the careful return to normalcy and our mutually beneficial cooperation.
Greece is gradually emerging from the pandemic crisis and returning to normalcy. Restrictions on movement within the country are being lifted, our hotels are preparing to open, our beaches are again accessible and archaeological sites are being opened to the public. We are responsibly lifting restrictions one by one, with public safety as our top priority. Αt the same time, in close coordination with our partners, we are trying to gradually get things back to normal in the travel sector.
Greece succeeded in remaining a safe country for its citizens during the pandemic. We also want it to remain safe for tourists – our guests, whom we hope to welcome back to enjoy Greece's beautiful summer again this year.
May 18, 2020