Shareholders call for investigation on ABN Amro

The move follows recent statements by Dutch central bank, notably from its president, Nout Wellink, that successful bids by both Barclays Bank and a rival consortium consisting of Royal Bank of Scotland, Fortis NV and Banco Santander could result in serious financial stability risks.

The central bank, which is the lead regulator for the Dutch-based ABN Amro, has been criticised in some circles for adopted a protectionist stance under the veil of financial stability concerns.

The latest development see the VEB, an independent organisation promoting investors' interests, call for McCreevy to investigate whether the Dutch central bank is taking an "unprejudiced position" in the takeover bids.

The organisation says it wants the commissioner to investigate whether the central bank is treating both Barclays and the consortium on a "fair and equal basis". The association said on 24 May that the request has already been filed with McCreevy's office.