Brussels, 12/05/2005 (Agence Europe) - reacting to certain articles in the press indicating that he would not accept changes requested on Wednesday by the European Parliament (Cercas report, EUROPE 8944) that the “Commission cannot accept the EP amendment on this issue in its current form”. The Commission, however, “wanted to discuss it and find the most appropriate compromise for co-legislators (EP and Council) which are divided on the question”, declared Mr Spidla, adding “I am aware that the opt-out is a political question and one of principle. In this context, the Commission will continue intensive dialogue with the parliament”. The Commission takes note of the EP vote and will examine the parliamentary amendments, as well as produce a compromise proposal at the Council on 2 June in Luxembourg, announced the Commissioner, who said that he was very optimistic that a compromise would be reached at this ministerial session. His spokesperson Katharina von Schnurbein emphasised to the press that the Council would have to decided on this compromise propel by qualified majority and not by unanimity, according to the usual co-decision procedure (therefore ruling out some ideas mooted in the press). The Common Council position will then be sent to the EP for a third reading.