EPP maps out five-year strategy

The European People's Party yesterday mapped out a five-year strategy part of which is aimed at re-electing a new majority in the European parliament in the June elections.

The programme, drawn up at the end of a two-day congress in Brussels, encompasses a number of sectors ranging from job creation to European youth policy and reaffirms a series of policies within the group.

Among others, the EPP agreed it would not lend its support to a candidate for the post of president of the European Commission if he does not hail from the political family which gains the highest support in the June elections.

A controversial motion put forward by the 10 acceding states, and which calls for the banning of former Communists from occupying EU posts, was given the thumbs up by the party.

During a news conference, EPP president Wilfred Martens strongly denied claims by the European Socialists that his party was divided.

"There might be different nuances within our party but ultimately we manage to reach consensus. On the other hand, look at the Socialists - prime ministers like Blair and Schroeder do not even attend their meetings," Mr Martens said.

The congress bid farewell to Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami and Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, who gave a highly significant speech from the podium.

An EU with 25 members, Mr Aznar underlined, would remain successful if it maintained cohesion with diversity.

Mr Aznar, who has decided not to recontest the upcoming Spanish elections, urged the member states to adhere to the Stability and Growth Pact and argued against undermining it.

The Spanish premier said there were four characteristics the EU needed to forge to continue on its successful path - flexibility, stability, reforms and the strengthening of the transatlantic alliance.

EPP group chairman Hans Gert Poettering insisted there should be protection for the smaller countries and minorities within the EU. If the "mighty" had to rule the day, the EU risked destroying the family spirit it was built upon, he warned.

Angela Merken, president of the German CDU, agreed and said that no country should be bullying the other, making particular reference to her native Germany.