Brussels, 15/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission met, in Brussels on 9 April, a Swiss delegation of the state secretariat for education and research, seeking full participation by Switzerland in the European education and youth programmes: “Lifelong Learning” and “Youth in Action”. This is the first round of talks on technical issues with a view to a bilateral agreement. To date, Switzerland has taken part in these programmes indirectly, that is, on the basis of agreements sealed for each project, with European coordinators or partner institutions. The signing of an agreement with the European Union for full participation in European programmes would allow Swiss establishments to intensify their transnational relations, and for Swiss participants to enjoy more advantageous conditions when staying in European countries for the purpose of study, trainee courses or extra-curriculum activities, the secretary of state for education and research points out. (I.L.)