Co-hosts Austria and Switzerland are on course in their preparations for the 2008 European Championship, UEFA officials said yesterday.

UEFA treasurer and executive committee member Mathieu Sprengers told the website of European football's governing body that the two countries were proving an efficient partnership.

"It is an enormous project and we are now about 950 days from the kick-off," he said.

"Austria and Switzerland (give the impression) that they have been working together for years and we are very satisfied with the co-operation between the two associations."

Swiss and Austrian officials said they would shortly be concentrating on security which was a high priority.

"We want to be friendly and efficient and we want to organise a football event free of violence," said Austrian Football Association general secretary Alfred Ludwig.

The draw for the championship's qualifying groups will be held in Montreux, Switzerland, on January 27 next year.