"From a technical point of view, we are ready," the newspaper quotes Mäder as saying. According to him, the day before in Brussels, European Union experts gave a positive opinion on Switzerland's accession to the Schengen Agreement. As reported by RIA Novosti, the final decision now lies with the EU Council of Ministers, which is to meet on November 27-28.
If the decision, which under the procedure must be unanimous, is positive, then as of December 12, 2008, Switzerland will abolish passport and visa controls for Schengen countries at its border.
As for air traffic, according to the Tribune de Genève, the abolition of passport and visa controls in Swiss airports will take effect on March 29, 2009 – simultaneously with the introduction of the summer flight schedule.