Ahead of the crucial June 8 referendum on whether or not Poland joins the Union, Maciej PLAZYNSKI, leader of the Polish EPP observer Platforma Obywatelska (Civic Platform), visited Brussels to consult with Hans-Gert POETTERING, leader of the EPP-ED parliamentary group, as well as with EPP President Wilfried MARTENS.

Plazynski explained that his main worry was the level of participation in the referendum, which Poland's constitution says is only valid if at least 50% of the electorate take part.

The Polish delegation included, among others, former Europe minister Jacek SARYUSZ-WOLSKA and Jacek PROTASIEWICZ MP, who is co-ordinating the referendum campaign.

The delegation also held talks with MEPs especially involved with enlargement and Poland in particular, among them Wim van VELZEN, Elmar BROK Jean-Louis BOURLANGES. Apart from the referendum, the agenda for discussions included the fragility of the current socialist-led government in Warsaw, moves towards uniting the centre-right parties, and co-operation in the 2004 European election campaign.