Brussels, 26/05/2004 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday the spokesperson for Commissioner Vitorino stated that the European Commission would be proposing that Norway and Iceland take part in the work and operations of the future European Border Agency but that they do not have voting rights at the management committee. The status for these two countries, members of the border-free Schengen area but not members of the European Union, will therefore be similar to what will be agreed to for the United Kingdom and Ireland, members of the European Union but not of Schengen. Before the European Commission begins negotiations with Norway and Iceland, the Council is expected to approve the negotiations mandate proposed on Wednesday by the College and therefore decide whether it agrees with this status. Commissioner Antonio Vitorino supported the right to vote for Norway and Iceland but was not backed up by the College, indicated Community sources.
The European Border Agency is expected to be up and running in January 2005 with the following tasks: coordinate operational border cooperation, provide technical aid for expulsions organised by several Member States, held train border guards, elaborate risk analysis and assist cooperation with third countries.