The European Commission (EC) has urged the World Bank to move toward choosing a successor to Paul Wolfowitz, who announced that he is to step down as president of the organization on June 30.

"The (European) Commission calls on the bank and its members to start discussions to designate as soon as possible a successor who will ensure continuity and stability at the top of the bank," the EC said in a statement Friday.

However, the executive arm of the European Union (EU) remains neutral on Wolfowitz's resignation, saying it "takes note of" the news.

It said under the leadership of Mr Wolfowitz, the working relationship between the European Commission and the World Bank has increased both in intensity and quality for the benefit of developing countries since 2005.

"The European Commission expresses its hope that this will continue with the successor of Mr Wolfowitz," said the statement.

Wolfowitz, who has been besieged by calls for his resignation over the scandal surrounding his pay-and-promotion package for his girlfriend Shaha Riza, announced Thursday that he would resign.

Source: Xinhua