EU could block US visitors over country's coronavirus response

More than 2.3 million coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the US to date, resulting in more than 120,000 deaths.

The US banned visitors from Europe back in March, and despite president Donald Trump intimated the US might be willing to ease its restrictions, no movement has been forthcoming.

Once a final list is agreed, the EU will review it on a fortnightly basis. The paper said the list was shared by an official involved in the talks, and confirmed by a further three officials.

The UK remains subject to EU rules and legislation until the end of the Brexit transition period, due to expire on 1 January 2021.

However, it remains to be seen with the UK having already formally left the union whether it would seek to resume travel connections with the US on a bilateral basis.

The government will review the UK’s 14-day quarantine on arrival policy for the first time on Monday (29 June) when it is expected the country’s first air bridges will be announced.

Discussions ongoing

The commission spokesperson said the commission recommended on 11 June plans to lift travel restrictions starting in July.

"We recommended agreeing on a list of countries from which to allow non-essential travel, based on objective criteria, the first among them being the epidemiological situation in a given country which should be as good as or better than in the EU," the said.

"The list should be regularly revised to take into account the evolving health situation. This recommendation is now under discussion in the EU Council, by the governments of our member states.

"It would be for them to take a decision. The discussions are ongoing with a view to agreeing on a common list by 1 July."

Member states are meeting again on Wednesday (24 June) to discuss the proposals.