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Image header Agence Europe
Europe Daily Bulletin No. 8478
Contents Publication in full By article 11 / 33
GENERAL NEWS / (eu) eu/jha council

No progress on Swiss involvement in Schengen

Luxembourg, 06/06/2003 (Agence Europe) - In Friday's Council, no headway was made on the dossier on Switzerland's association with the Schengen zone (EUROPE of 10 May). "We need to keep up the pace as we go forward, and carry this on at Coreper", was all the Greek Justice Minister said. During the debate, the Netherlands, followed by France and Finland, declared that Switzerland would have to accept the Schengen agreement warts and all, as had the candidate countries, Norway and Iceland. These Member States refuse to grant Switzerland the exemptions it wants on legal co-operation for tax infringements. "Many have rejected these exemptions", confirmed French Justice Minister, Dominique Perben, and the end of the talks. As at the last Council, Germany showed greater flexibility, saying negotiation was needed.

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