The coronavirus is reshaping the internal and external geography of Europe. On Monday, the EU Commission announced that for 30 days the perimeter of the Schengen area will be armored: nobody enters, nobody leaves. The measure has three objectives: to prevent the contagion from worsening further; respond to Donald Trump's decision to stop flights between the US and the EU (a move later imitated by Canada); avoid the disintegration of the Schengen area. The third point is the most important. Brussels believes that by closing the external perimeter of Schengen it will be easier to convince governments to keep the borders inside the area open. The question is fundamental, because if individual states - giving in to the reasons of propaganda - blocked their borders, food, health and industrial supplies would soon be at risk.
The attempt to save Schengen, however, risks being too late. At least judging by the measures already implemented in many countries.
GERMANY
From 8am on Monday, the German government closed its borders with France, Austria, Denmark, Switzerland and Luxembourg. The decision was taken by Chancellor Angela Merkel, Interior Minister Horst Seehofer and Health Minister Jens Spahn, in agreement with the authorities of the Baden-Württemberg, Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate lander. However, the free movement of goods remains guaranteed and even commuters can continue to cross borders. As for the border between Germany and Poland, it had already been closed on the initiative of the Warsaw government.
POLAND
Poland's borders have been closed since Sunday 15 March for all foreigners who are unable to specify a valid reason why they want to enter the country. Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski said all people arriving from abroad (Polish or not) would be checked and forced to go into quarantine. Foreigners who cannot indicate the place to pass are rejected. The borders remain open only for goods. The provision is valid for at least two weeks.
SPAIN
From midnight on Tuesday 17 March, only Spanish citizens and foreigners forced by force majeure can enter Spain by land. The transit of the goods is also guaranteed. The Madrid government has deployed the army on the streets and is using drones to monitor people's movements after the near-total lockdown imposed in recent days.
PORTUGAL
Portugal has decided to close the border with Spain to tourists for at least a month.
DENMARK
Denmark closed its borders from midday on Saturday 14 March. "All tourists and foreigners who cannot prove an important reason to visit Denmark will not be able to enter the country," announced Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The border, manned by the army, remains open only for the passage of food and medicine. The measure will remain in effect at least until April 13. The government in Copenhagen notified the decision to its neighbors: Germany, Norway and Sweden.
AUSTRIA
Austria has announced the closure of 47 minor crossing points with Italy. The Brennero, Passo Resia, Prato alla Drava and Tarvisio remain open. At the same time, however, Vienna suspended the weekend transit ban for trucks over 3 tons until 7,5 April. The aim is to guarantee supplies during the coronavirus emergency. The decision was taken in agreement with Italy and Bavaria, also to avoid queues at the crossing points.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Since Monday 16 March, the borders of the Czech Republic have been closed to foreigners who want to enter the country and to Czechs who want to go abroad. The restriction does not apply to foreigners with a permanent residence permit or a residence permit lasting more than 90 days.
SLOVAKIA
Slovakia has closed its borders since March 13. Only foreign residents of the country can enter.
HUNGARY
Hungary has also announced the closure of its borders: "Only Hungarian citizens will be able to cross the border," said the head of government, Viktor Orban.
CYPRUS
Cyprus has closed its borders to non-residents for fifteen days. From Sunday 15 March, "entry is prohibited to any citizen who is not Cypriot or legally resident, whether they are European or from third countries working in Cyprus," said President Nicos Anastasiades.
