(VIENNA) - Greek President Karolos Papoulias on Thursday began a three-day state visit to Austria during which he was due to discuss the future of the European Union (EU) and the Lisbon reform treaty, a government statement said.

Papoulias met Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer shortly after his arrival before being welcomed with military honours at the Imperial Palace by Austrian President Heinz Fischer.

The two presidents were to hold a press conference later Thursday following one-on-one discussions.

Papoulias was also scheduled to meet Vienna Mayor Michael Haeupl and Parliament President Barbara Prammer Thursday, followed by an evening banquet.

On Friday, Papoulias and his Austrian counterpart were expected to take part in an economic forum, with the Greek president travelling to the scenic Salzkammergut region, near Salzburg in western Austria, on Saturday.

The Lisbon Treaty, a key accord meant to streamline EU decision-making, was rejected by Irish voters in a referendum last month. The rejection put EU reform plans in jeopardy as it must be ratified by all 27 EU member states to come into force.

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