22/01/2021 (Agence Europe) – As announced on Thursday 21 January at the end of the videoconference meeting of European leaders (see EUROPE 12641/1), the European Commission is going to propose “the updating of two recommendations” on the health measures taken in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This is to take into account the risks associated with the appearance of coronavirus variants, while preserving the functioning of the internal market and freedom of movement for key workers, said Eric Mamer, spokesman for the European institution, on Friday 22 January. On Monday 25 January, these proposals will be submitted to the Member States meeting under the EU’s integrated political crisis response mechanism (IPCR) and to the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Governments of the Member States (Coreper). The creation of a new geographical area at the regional level is under consideration, so that people coming from this territory on a non-essential journey would be subject to increased restrictions. (MB)