Brussels, 09/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 5 September, European experts completed an assessment visit to Switzerland, as part of the framework association agreement on the Schengen area. They examined the use by the authorised services of the Schengen Information Service (SIS), a data bank on missing persons and objects. These verifications mark the end of a series of evaluations that should enable Switzerland to become part of the Schengen area (EUROPE 9726). On 26 September, experts will meet in Brussels to draw up a balance sheet of these activities. If Switzerland meets all the criteria, the EU Council will decide on the application of the Schengen acquis in Switzerland. The provisional Council timetable indicates that the Justice and Home Affairs Council will examine the dossier on 24 October in Luxembourg. The final Council decision, which will enable Switzerland to enter Schengen as a full member, is expected before the end of the year. (B.C/transl.rh)