Considering the successful containment of #COVID19 across Baltics, in call with @ratasjuri and @Skvernelis_S agreed on opening of internal Baltic borders from May 15 and free movement of our citizens. The citizens arriving from other countries have to obey 14 day self-isolation.
— Krišjānis Kariņš (@krisjaniskarins) May 6, 2020
The annoucement came after the latest in a series of video consulations between Kariņš and his Estonian and Lithuanian counterparts and in effect crates a mini-Schengen zone of around 6 million people. Arrivals from outside the Baltic states will have to observe a 14-day quarantine period, as at present.
"The Prime Ministers of the Baltic States agreed that the successful implementation of the measures taken by the Baltic States to limit the spread of Covid-19 is a sufficient basis for the abolition of the control of the internal borders of the Baltic States as of 15 May. Residents of the Baltic States will thus be provided with free movement in the region," a statement from the Cabinet of Ministers said.
The Foreign Ministers of the Baltic States have been instructed to agree on practical steps to lift restrictions and exchange information on persons entering the Baltic States.
In order to coordinate the co-operation of the Baltic States in the phasing out of the Covid-19 restrictions, a video conference of the Baltic Health Ministers is taking place today, while video conferences of the Baltic Foreign Ministers and Home Affairs Ministers are planned for Friday.
Agreed in a video call with @krisjaniskarins and @Skvernelis_S on opening internal borders between ??-?? and ??-?? to the people of Baltic States from 15 May. It's a big step towards life as normal. pic.twitter.com/Md9hKjJRMl
— Jüri Ratas (@ratasjuri) May 6, 2020
Productive VTC with Baltic Prime Ministers @krisjaniskarins and @ratasjuri today. Key decision to open borders b/w our countries on May 15. Below, key facts and figures about our efforts in COVID-19 testing. #BalticOpening #Strongertogether pic.twitter.com/gl2KUbRscD
— Saulius Skvernelis (@Skvernelis_S) May 6, 2020
