Press Release

15/06/2000: EPP-ED Group wins vote on Resolution on Feira European Council. Wim van Velzen, EPP-ED Group Vice Chairman

By a clear majority, the European Parliament today supported the EPP-ED initiative to asks the Council Presidency to evaluate relations between 14 Member States and Austria, and to develop, with all the parties in the EU concerned, a procedure leading to an acceptable solution.

Mr Wim van Velzen, EPP-ED Group Vice President, welcomed this result. The Council President, Mr Gama, reacted in a positive manner declaring that although it is not a European Union issue, nevertheless, he said that at informal meetings the relationship between the 14 EU Member States and Austria will be the most important point to be discussed.

The President in Office of the Council stated that one of the big risks in the EU is a deadlock situation and crisis as long as the dispute with Austria has not been solved.

The President in Office declared his willingness to do the utmost to further the process. He clearly stated there is a perspective for a solution although it will take some time. He expects that a window of opportunity will be opened at Feira.

This was the Council's reaction to the text adopted today by the European Parliament on Austria which stated: "Asks the Council Presidency to evaluate relations between the 14 Member States and Austria, and to develop, with all the parties concerned, a procedure leading to an acceptable solution."

Wim Van Velzen, in his contribution to the debate, also expressed his fear that a real deadlock situation could arise in the EU if the European Council meeting in Feira next week does not offer the perspective for an acceptable solution. He emphasised that in Denmark this issue will have serious consequences for the organisation there of a referendum on the introduction of the Euro. While at the same time in order to have a strong Euro we need a unified European Union with a clear message.

Moreover, Mr van Velzen said he was afraid that when there is no openness for a solution then the whole debate on IGC and enlargement might be delayed and this would also be a catastrophe.

He appealed to the Member States to accept their responsibilities and evaluate the Austrian government on its deeds.


More information:
Press Office Eduard Slootweg: +32 75 721280