Brussels - The President of the European Commission, Mr Romano Prodi, has instructed his lawyers to sue a number of unspecified publications for libel over repeated allegations of alleged and regularly denied business improprieties in his past in Italy, writes Patrick Smyth.
A statement from the Commission last night said that he had decided to sue "because of the repetitive and widespread nature of the press campaign on these matters, characterised by extreme inaccuracy and serious damage to his image and reputation."
All proceeds of successful damages claims would be paid to an anti-Mafia charity, the statement said.