Brussels, 05/07/2000 (Agence Europe) - The decision by the Austrian government to organise a referendum on the sanctions imposed by the Fourteen (the other Member States) against Austria (see yesterday's EUROPE, p.4) gave rise to reactions which (which a few exceptions) tried to be moderate but which were really negative or concerned. There is concern because of the fact that the question put to the citizens asks whether they believe the Vienna government should use every means at its disposal, including veto of EU institutional reform, to achieve lifting of the sanctions.
The European Commission spokesperson declared that the Commission regrets the decision to organise the referendum, as it believes that such an initiative does not resolve any of the problems. It does, however, respect the sovereign decision taken in Vienna. If, after the referendum, the result were veto on the reform and on EU decisions in general, there would of course be repercussions. The Commission will continue the policy followed so far, that of getting the Community machine to work and the decision-making mechanisms to remain as effective as possible. It is convinced that whosoever blocks the decision-making mechanism has more to lose than gain from this as the decisions which are to its advantage are also blocked. The European Commissioner of Austrian nationality, Mr Fischler, observed that there is no reason for the Austrian authorities to attack the Commission as it has kept up normal working relations with Vienna and ensures that Austrian rights are honoured.
Mr Fischler recalled that Chancellor Schüssel is to meet the European Commission next week. This will provide the opportunity of an open explanation.
In Vienna, the Chancellor simply confirmed that he is waiting for the report from the "Three Wisemen" immediately after the summer, and a decision by the Fourteen before the Biarritz summit. If this is not the case, then the referendum will take place end October or in November.
The decision by the Austrian Chancellor caused negative reaction in certain European Parliament political groups. Patrick Cox, President of the Liberal group, asserted during a press conference that the "implicit threat of a possible blocking of decision is an "unwelcome development" and would a "unacceptable process" if it should become real. It is not the best way for Austria to make friends, said Mr. Cox, adding: " Mr. Haider is maybe outside the government, but not out of sight. Following the wishes of someone who is not in the government, the Chancellor risks complicating the issue at a time where it would be better to try not to "increase the temperature.
This decision risks, asserts the Austrian Green Johannes Voggenhuber, creating a "cultural rift" with Europe, with consequences for a whole generation of young Austrians. Through this decision the Chancellor is finally showing that he is someone with something to say within the coalition: Jörg Haider, who, for party political reason, has an "vehement" interest in the organisation of this referendum.