Prodi neemt deel aan oprichting nieuwe Europese centrum-rechtse partij (en)

European Commission President Romano Prodi has agreed to be involved in the creation of a new European centrist party.

According to the Financial Times, Mr Prodi last week met Graham Watson, leader of the parliament's Liberal group, and Francois Bayrou, leader of the French centrist UDF in order to press ahead with plans for a new pro-European centrist group in the European Parliament.

Over the weekend, representatives from European centrists parties met to lay the political foundations for the new European party.

"Until now, a large democratic movement, that is neither conservative or socialist and which defends European integration, has been missing", said Mr Bayrou, according to agency reports.

He added, "We will push for a big European Union under the control, and with the participation, of the people".

The new group, which is to be set up after the June European elections, would rival the two current biggest power blocs in the European parliament - the centre-right and the socialists.

A recent study on the European elections predicted that such a party would hold the balance of power in the European Parliament.

For his part, Mr Prodi has steadily been increasing his behind-the-scenes activities by preparing the centre-left for the European elections - he is also expected to return to domestic politics when he steps down as head of the Brussels executive in October.