Re-open EU - A platform for rapid response to crises

Re-open EU was a web platform and mobile app providing updated, official information on travel and health measures adopted in EU and Schengen Associated countries in response to COVID-19. When the pandemic broke out, EU countries imposed lockdowns and exceptional restrictive measures, including on travel into and within the EU, to contain the spread of the virus. As the epidemiological situation improved and travel bans were gradually lifted, it became necessary to provide a trustworthy source of updated, official information on the different travel requirements implemented in EU countries, allowing citizens to move safely and upholding free movement in the Schengen area. Re-open EU was launched to this end on 15 June 2020, as part of the EU’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic to address this need. In December of the same year, the platform also became available as a mobile app on both iOS and Android. With almost 4M downloads in total, Re-open EU is the most downloaded EU app in its history. This publication describes how the platform was continuously evolving to cater for the emerging needs throughout the different phases of the pandemic, and provides an overview of the main challenges, solutions and lessons learnt gathered in this process. As such, this publication provides useful, practical guidance for the European Commission or any EU body that would require deploying a user-friendly tool with timely information, in coordination amongst several EU services and countries, under critical circumstances.