Brussels, 05/11/2008 (Agence Europe) - On 12 December, Switzerland will probably join the Schengen Security Area and subsequently become its 25th member. At the end of a European Union experts meeting on Friday 31 October in Brussels, Switzerland decided that it no longer opposed joining the zone without borders. Luzius Mader, the vice director of the Federal Judicial Office, quoted by the Swiss press, declared: “From a technical point of view, we are ready”. The abandonment of systematic controls at the Swiss border is planned for 12 December, indicated Mr Mader. The Council's draft text on Switzerland joining the Schengen area, with a reference to the date of 12 December, was subject to “a procedural silence” until Wednesday 5 November at midnight, so that any possible opposition could be expressed. After this deadline, if there has been no “break in the silence”, the decision, technically, will be deemed to have been made. This decision, however, does not affect what the Council of the EU may decide. EU diplomatic sources explained that, “at this stage, and through respect for procedures, it is still too early to announce the date of Switzerland's entry into Schengen, even if we are all very confident about it”. If all goes well, the permanent representatives of the EU will confirm this decision on 12 November. It will then just be up to the Council of Ministers to give the final green light during its session on 27-28 November. Last Friday, a Swiss representative declared: “We have no reason to believe that there will by any more obstacles of a political nature”. The 12 December date is only valid for land borders. Air traffic will only be affected after 29 March 2009, when flight timetables change. This calendar was not challenged by European experts, although an inspection of Swiss airports is still planned for February. (B.C./transl.rh)