EU eyes reopening borders from July 1

The European Union said Wednesday it hoped to reopen its external borders to foreigners in July as leaders look to loosen the economic stranglehold of virus lockdowns that are triggering a steep global downturn.

EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell on Wednesday has suggested a "gradual and partial" reopening of external frontiers to travelers outside the bloc from July 1, but details of the proposal is not yet clear.

On March 17, EU member states agreed to close off the EU's external borders for 30 days, effective immediately for nonessential travel. The travel ban was later extended several times and will now expire on June 15.

(With input from AFP)