Aaaaaand... maybe in response to IATA tweets, EU ambassadors or who knows: The US administration has tossed out a small bone.
NIEs will now be valid for 12 months for those traveling to the US from a range of countries, including Schengen.
”On June 29, 2021, the Department of State extended the validity of National Interest Exceptions (NIE) for travelers subject to restrictions under Presidential Proclamations (PPs) 9984, 9992, 10143, 10199, and similar subsequent PPs related to the spread of COVID-19. Unless otherwise indicated, existing NIEs will be valid for 12 months from the date of approval and for multiple entries, as long as they are used for the purpose under which they were granted.
This extension applies to travelers subject to these proclamations due to their presence in China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and India who currently have approved NIEs or who were granted NIEs in conjunction with a visa application.”
https://travel.state.gov/content/tra...CdwEKum8Wjrmx0