On Saturday Greece opens beaches in strict compliance with distance rules

Temperatures in Greece have been rising and are expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius over the weekend. On Saturday, the Greek government opens beaches under strict distance rules. Under one umbrella there should be no more than two sunbeds at a distance of at least a meter and a half. The possibility of free access to the Greek islands from May 25 is being discussed, too.
The Greek government welcomes the European Commission's guidelines for overcoming the consequences of the Covid-19 crisis in tourism. According to government spokesman Stelios Petsas, Greece was the first country to raise the issue of tourism in European dialogue, and many of the Greek proposals have been included in the plan.


Slovenia resumes international flights

The international airport in the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana has been reopened for flights since May 12. It will take several weeks for the airport to return to normal operation under the new rules related to the pandemic. The ban on international flights for other airports in the country remains in force at least until June 12. Slovenia has gradually lifted the restrictive measures imposed on April 20. Some of the students are expected to return to schools on May 18.


Cyprus has opened schools

After a two-month break due to the coronavirus, Cyprus has reopened its schools. Only high school students have returned to class, as for them national exams begin on June 9th. The resumption of the school year takes place under strict requirements for disinfection and personal hygiene. Only up to 12 students are allowed in the classrooms, one per desk. High school graduates will take turns - half of them will go to classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and the other half - on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Those staying at home will attend classes with their classmates remotely. For the time being, children from all other classes will return to school on May 21, when the second phase of lifting of restrictive measures starts in Cyprus.

Romania introduces a state of alert

The Romanian parliament has introduced a state of alert in relation to the coronavirus pandemic. This condition can be valid for no more than 30 days, and the fines for violating the measures would reach up to 3,100 euros. Shopping centers with an area of up to 15,000 square meters can function, as well as the terraces of restaurants in compliance with sanitary safety measures. If the decision was not appealed against in the Constitutional Court, it will be able to enter into force on May 18.

Edi Rama: Mini-Schengen will strengthen cooperation in Western Balkans



Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said in an interview with Zagreb's N1 television channel that the formation of a so-called "Mini Schengen" in the Western Balkans is a good way to co-operate before joining the EU, and that unresolved disputes between Belgrade and Pristina should not be an obstacle. for economic cooperation. Rama said regional co-operation was key to the European integration of the Western Balkans and said it was a good idea for citizens in the region to be able to experience freedom of movement of people, goods, capital and services before joining the EU. "Someone called these four freedoms very inappropriately 'Mini Schengen'. I don’t like that name because I'm too tall to accept it," Rama said jokingly.


Compiled by: Miglena Ivanova

English: Alexander Markov