26/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - The Swiss are to give their view on the renewal of the free movement of people with the EU and its extension to include Bulgaria and Romania in a referendum at the end of May 2009. The two federal chambers gave their support to a single package at the beginning of June. The EU had repeatedly said that it considered the two areas to be indivisible. A refusal to extend free movement to the new member states would, in the EU's view, signify a rejection of the renewal of free movement. By virtue of a “guillotine” clause, such an outcome would result in the termination of all the bilateral agreements in force between Switzerland and the EU. The Swiss people can give their view in an optional referendum every time the EU receives a new member. The next occasion is scheduled for 2010 with the accession of Croatia. (B.C./transl.fl)