Spain is due to reopen its borders with Portugal – both land and air – from tomorrow (Wednesday July 1).
Following three complicated months in which restrictions have limited people leaving and entering the country, ‘normality’ is set to return.
Spain actually entered its ‘new normal’ on June 21 – reopening its frontiers with ‘European countries’ in the Schengen space – but at the time, Portugal was not included as a result of a special request from Lisbon.
As a result, up till now, only Portuguese citizens resident in Spain, residents of other Member States on their way home – and diplomats on working missions – have been authorised to cross the Portuguese-Spanish borders.
Explain reports, the reopening will be marked by a special ceremony between the towns of Caia and Badajoz tomorrow attended by President Marcelo, the Felipe VI King of Spain and Portuguese and Spanish prime ministers António Costa and Pedro Sánchez.
The idea is for the Portuguese and Spanish dignitaries to ‘meet at the frontier’ and cross over to the Spanish side for a reception.
Says Observador, the groups will then ‘pass to the Portuguese side’ for lunch.
RTP has been talking to business people on both sides of the border today, to hear that while some are looking forward to the prospect of ‘more customers’, others fear that just as Spain has got its outbreak under control, the virus could begin spreading again.
