Families hoping for a summer holiday in Spain, France or Europe should not give up just yet, a top Brussels official said.
European Commission vice-president Margrethe Vestager offered lockdown-weary Britons a glimmer of hope for a getaway later this year, despite the coronavirus crisis.
Asked about the chances of Britons travelling to the continent for a break, Ms Vestager told the BBC: "I would hope so.
"I think that there's discussion over it at every dinner table in Europe and probably also in the UK.
"We really need a break from this. Can we go as we planned, or will we have to stay within the borders of our home country?
"We think that it can be done safely – and I think it's a very good sign that Germany said yesterday that they will open their borders towards France and Austria."
The tantalising possibility of a foreign trip offered by Danish Ms Vestager comes after warnings from UK Government ministers that families should not pin their hopes on hitting a Spanish beach or the French riviera this year.
The Foreign Office still advises against all but essential travel to anywhere in the world – meaning travel insurance policies will be invalid if holidaymakers ignore the advice.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned this week that people were unlikely to be able to go on foreign jaunts.
Asked whether "summer was cancelled", Mr Hancock told ITV's This Morning: "I think that's likely to be the case."
He added: "It is unlikely that big, lavish international holidays are going to be possible for this summer. I just think that's a reality of life."
A month ago, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps also seemed to quash hopes, saying: "Clearly people will want to see what the trajectory of this disease is in the next few weeks.
"We are not seeing declines yet. I won't be booking a summer holiday at this point, let's put it that way."
