The EU's 15 member-states yesterday backed the Commission's case against Microsoft's alleged abuse of its Windows monopoly, making a Commission decision against the software giant even more likely.

Several big member-states, led by Britain and Germany, specifically called for the Brussels watchdog to rule against Microsoft rather than reach a last-minute deal. "The member-states have unanimously backed the Commission's draft decision," said a spokeswoman for Mr Mario Monti, competition commissioner. But one other person following the case said some countries were concerned that a Brussels decision would apply only to the EU and other European states. By contrast, a possible deal with Microsoft might apply worldwide.

Brussels argues Microsoft has unfairly leveraged its dominance over personal computer operating systems into other markets, such as those for servers and for media player programs.

It is due to rule on the case by March 24th, when it plans to demand that Microsoft share more information with rivals and give computer manufacturers a choice of versions of Windows with and without its Media Player program. Brussels also wants to impose a fine understood to be in the €100-€200 million range.

Yesterday's consultations with national competition bodies are non-binding, but could have made life difficult for Mr Monti if they had not backed his approach.