IMPLEMENTATION OF SCHENGEN AGREEMENT AGAIN POSTPONED
Despite the fact that the Schengen Information System (SIS) is now technically ready for operation in all member states except Italy and Greece, the ministers of the Schengen Group once again postponed the implementation of the Schengen Agreement, at their meeting in Heidelberg on 21 November. The new delay seems to be due to the French Interior Minister Pasqua's determination to maintain checks at the French borders, as long as the Netherlands do not change their liberal policies on drugs, viewed as too lax by Mr Pasqua.
The Ministers of the Schengen Group did not mention a new implementation date.
Austria will become the next new member state of Schengen as soon as it joins the EU, on 1 January 1995.
Negotiations are continuing with Switzerland and Bulgaria concerning their compliance with the multilateral readmission agreement.
In 1995, the presidency of the Schengen Group will be assumed by Belgium.
Source: Migration News Sheet, December 1994 No.141/94-12