Brussels, 11/06/2010 (Agence Europe) - Despite concerted effort from the European Commission on the Swift issue, the new draft agreement negotiated with the United States has failed to win over MEPs. Unveiling the draft deal on Thursday 10 June, EU Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström found that most MEPs felt that not enough progress had been made, with the possible exception of EPP MEPs. It is therefore possible that the European Parliament may reject the Swift agreement again (following its first rejection in February) if further improvements are not made. The EP will decide next week whether to schedule a vote early next month or whether to postpone voting until later, which looks more realistic. The debate at the EU Council of Ministers on Thursday went well despite reservations expressed by Germany and France, both of which want clarifications about the draft agreement. The Commission is hoping that quick progress can be made and hopes to adopt decisions on Tuesday on requests for authorisation and signature of an agreement with the United States. (B.C./transl.fl)