Strasbourg, 15/03/2000 (Agence Europe) - In the framework of the EP debate on the European Commission's annual legislative agenda (see following pages), EPP group Chair Mr Pöttering raised the problem of the treatment of Austria by the other Member States, including the Council Presidency. "Had I been given the opportunity, I would have told the Portuguese Prime Minister that failing to visit one of the EU capitals ahead of a summit is not in keeping with the European Union's fundamental principles", he exclaimed, calling on the Commission to play its role as guardian of the Treaty (there is no reason to criticise the Prodi Commission in this regard so far, he added).
FPÖ Member Mr Hager complained about the "unfair" treatment of Austria, saying the Commission should not remain "inactive" in this type of situation. He called on Mr Prodi to organise an emergency meeting between the Fourteen and Austria to put an end to the lack of communication that, in his view, is already beginning to have negative repercussions on the Union's work.