US citizens likely to be left out as Europe reopens borders

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People cross the border between France and Spain at Behobie, southwestern France, Sunday, June 21, 2020. Spain reopened its borders to European tourists Sunday in a bid to kickstart its economy while Brazil and South Africa struggled with rising coronavirus infections. At a campaign rally, President Donald Trump said he told the U.S. government to reduce testing for the virus, apparently to avoid unflattering statistics ahead of the U.S. election in November. (AP Photo/Bob Edme)

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BRUSSELS (AP) — Americans are unlikely to be allowed into Europe when the continent begins to reopen its borders from next week, due to how the coronavirus pandemic is flaring in the U.S. and President Donald Trump’s ban on Europeans entering the United States. The EU stopped business people and tourists entering Europe in March to halt the virus’s spread. It wants to open up from July 1 and member nations are debating exactly what criteria should apply when choosing who should be let in. One is the infection rate per 100,000 citizens. The exact ceiling is up for debate. Brussels also says Europe’s borders should not be open to any country with a ban on European travelers.