Brussels - The former Italian prime minister Mr Romano Prodi visits Strasbourg today to seek the support of the European Parliament for his nomination as president of the European Commission. However, he will not know the verdict until May, when MEPs are expected to exercise their new right to vote on the Commission president for the first time.
Mr Prodi was criticised by deputies last week for refusing to rule out a plan to run for the assembly. But he has defended the plan, telling La Repubblica yesterday his endorsement would be a step towards making the EU more democratic.