Brussels, 12/11/2008 (Agence Europe) - Jacques Barrot, European Commissioner for Justice, Security and Freedom, confirmed on Monday 10 November that Switzerland would enter the Schengen Area on 12 December, although there is still some concern about the approach of the Swiss referendum on 8 February on renewing the free movement of persons after 2009 and its extension to Bulgaria and Romania. In an interview with the daily, Le Temps, Mr Barrot, who was speaking on the sidelines of the European Security and Defence Congress in Berlin, said: “The question was that of whether we should await the result of the popular vote and postpone Switzerland's entry until March. The fate reserved for Bulgaria and Romania is determining. Finally, I took the decision that entry into Schengen will take place on 12 December”. Although the date now seems set for 12 December, a no-vote at the referendum on the free movement of persons would nonetheless have heavy consequences as a “cut-off clause” would allow the EU to denounce the bilateral agreements sealed with Switzerland. The cancellation of the Bilaterals I would have adverse political and economic repercussions as these agreements concern the suppression of technical obstacles to trade, public procurement, overland transport, air transport, agriculture, research and cooperation in security and asylum (Schengen/Dublin). “It is now up to the Swiss to decide whether they wish to question all the advantages that their country has obtained to date”, the commissioner warned. It is to be noted that EU permanent representatives were to confirm on Wednesday 12 November that Switzerland may entry the Schengen Area on 12 December. In order to be formally endorsed, the decision must still be put to the vote of EU justice and home affairs ministers on 27 November (EUROPE 9776). (B.C./transl.jl)