PLANS to lift the veil of secrecy which cloaks Euro decision makers'discussions have been applauded by MEP Chris Davies.

Since June he has been campaigning to introduce more openness into the proceedings of Government ministers meeting in Brussels.

Leaders of all parties in the European Parliament joined with him last September in calling for the UK to take the initiative while it held the EU Presidency in opening up sessions of the Council of Ministers to public scrutiny.

As a result, Europe Minister Douglas Alexander promised to consult with other governments about possible changes. Now, in a final act before Britain steps down from the hot seat, ministers have agreed to a series of measures to extend arrangements to allow the public to monitor their discussions in Brussels.

But the plans fall short of the MEPs demand for a change in rules to ensure that meetings will be open to the public whenever ministers debate draft new EU laws.

Mr Davies, leader of the British Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament, said that an opportunity had been missed to allow greater scrutiny of EU decision-taking.

The MEP said: "The chance for Britain to strike a strong blow in favour of openness and transparency has been missed. Ministers have been helpful but have not gone far enough.

"It will be left to the whim of whoever sits in the Presidency chair to decide whether or not the public should be allowed to listen to debates between ministers. The microphones will be left on when the Swedes are in charge and turned off whenever the French take control.

"The pity is that Britain had a chance to make a permanent change and gain credit for being on the side of the citizen."

This month he intends to raise the issue with the Chancellor of Austria.