(VIENNA) - A group called "Save Austria" said Tuesday it had gathered 103,313 signatures demanding an Austrian referendum on the new EU treaty, aimed at streamlining European operations and institutions.

The group was scheduled to hand the petition later to Parliamentary Speaker Barbara Prammer ahead of the planned ratification of the Lisbon Treaty in parliament on Wednesday.

"We're not anti-EU, the EU has also made positive achievements. But we're responsible citizens who want to have our say," said a "Save Austria" supporter, Vienna University professor Peter Weish.

"A referendum is not a rejection (of the treaty)," he added.

The Lisbon Treaty, which replaces the doomed constitution rejected by French and Dutch voters in 2005, was adopted by EU leaders in December.

But all 27 members must individually ratify the documents for it to come into effect in 2009, as planned.

Only Ireland is holding a referendum on the treaty.

Besides the petition, launched one month ago, "Save Austria" was planning a protest in front of the office of the Chancellor, or head of government, Tuesday evening, with at least 2,500 participants expected. Between 3,000 and 5,000 people took part in two similar demonstrations last week.

The ratification of the Lisbon Treaty was due to pass through parliament without a hitch Wednesday with the support of the ruling Social Democrats and conservatives, as well as the opposition Greens. Only the two opposition far-right parties were fighting the move.

Critics of the treaty say it would infringe on Austria's sovereignty and neutrality and limit people's freedoms, such as their right to declare themselves against genetically-modified organisms.

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