Original sentence: "  President Deiss said "We might not be at the very centre of Europe but we're definitely at the heart of Europe".", calling for the opening of immediate negotiations for EU membership, was rejected on March 4, 2001).EU membership however continuues to be the objective of the government and is a "long-term aim" of the Federal Council.He continued, "We're beginning a new era of relations between our two entities.It is thought that the fear of a loss of neutrality and independence is the key issue against membership among eurosceptics.Roman Prodi, President of the European Commission, said the agreements "moved Switzerland closer to Europe.The Swiss Federal Council (which is in favour of EU membership) had advised the population to vote against this referendum since the preconditions for the opening of negotiations had not been met.The popular initiative entitled "Yes to Europe
Edited sentence: EU membership however is a "long-term aim" of the Federal Council.Further referenda (the last on March 4, 2001) have shown a majority against EU membership.It has allegedly "moved Switzerland closer to the EU".It is thought that the fear of a loss of neutrality and independence is the key issue against membership