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Coronavirus Threatening Europe's Open-Border Goals

Lisa Bryant

   PARIS - In another one of its many fallouts, the coronavirus is
   creating new strains for Europe's 26-nation Schengen zone that allows
   for the free movement of people among member states. European officials
   say, for now, there is no reason to close borders, but the spread of
   the virus seems to bolster nationalist arguments for the zone to be
   scrapped altogether.

   Like in most places these days, the coronavirus outbreak is topping the
   French news. Several dozen cases have been reported so far. The
   government is advising precautionary measures like not shaking hands
   and forgoing the traditional kiss on both cheeks. The post office has
   suspended link with China.

   The bigger worry, for now, lies in neighboring Italy. For the moment,
   the borders between France and Italy remain open. However, a recent
   decision to allow 3,000 Italian fans to travel to the French city of
   Lyon for a football match sparked controversy.

   That's just one example testing Europe's decades-old Schengen zone. The
   concept of open internal borders is a cornerstone of European Union
   goals for closer integration--although Schengen includes several non-EU
   members, such as Switzerland.
   

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