At the time, Easyjet said that it would ensure shareholders were consulted and would have "the opportunity to vote on any future new generation aircraft orders".

BBC: Sir Stelios threatens Easyjet stake sale over plane deal

Mr Praet says public debt usually increases because politicians try to push problems into the future onto the next generation - who cannot vote.

BBC: Is the eurozone crisis over? A central banker's view

He added that he had not changed his mind that the vote was a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

BBC: Alex Salmond tells conference 'the nonsense ends' in 2014