David Cameron and Angela Merkel to discuss EU future
David Cameron and Angela Merkel both attended the recent G7 summit in Brussels
Prime Minister David Cameron is travelling to Sweden for talks on the future of Europe with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other leaders.
He will argue against the appointment of Jean-Claude Juncker as next president of the European Commission.
Mrs Merkel has publicly backed former Luxembourg premier Mr Juncker, the commission candidate nominated by party groups in Europe.
But Mr Cameron thinks Mr Juncker could block his proposals for reform.
The prime minister is strongly opposed to Mr Juncker's belief in a closer political union between EU member states.
He has described Brussels as "too big, too bossy" and said following the European elections: "We need change.
"We need an approach that recognises that Europe should concentrate on what matters, on growth and jobs, and not try to do so much."
'Weeks of negotiations'
Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte are also taking part in the discussions.
BBC political correspondent Ben Wright, in Brussels, said the pair were likely to join Mr Cameron in urging Mrs Merkel to drop her support for Mr Juncker - but warned there could be weeks of negotiations to come.
He added that the issue of who replaced outgoing European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso "matters hugely" to Mr Cameron, both for the prospects of his promised renegotiation with the EU and his standing with Conservative MPs.
Mr Cameron and his German counterpart had what was described a "friendly and candid" exchange of views over who should become chief of the European Commission after a dinner for G7 leaders last week.
The German chancellor has given Jean-Claude Juncker her backing
Angela Merkel: German chancellor, after some hesitation, backed European People's Party candidate. Some in Germany believe she may be willing to discuss alternatives
David Cameron: Opposed to former Luxembourg PM's candidacy - said to see him as a "face from the '80s" who cannot solve problems of next five years
Fredrik Reinfeldt: Seen as opposed to Mr Juncker and reports in European media suggest Swedish prime minister himself could be compromise candidate
Mark Rutte: Opposed to Mr Juncker, and Dutch PM due to meet Irish prime minister after Swedish summit to discuss alternative candidates.
EU leaders have traditionally named the Commission head on their own but now have to "take into account" the results of the European Parliament elections, under new rules.
The European People's Party grouping, of which Mr Juncker is a member, won the largest number of seats in May's polls, and he has argued that gives him a mandate.
The centre-right grouping also includes Mrs Merkel's Christian Democrats.
Asked why he was against Mr Juncker becoming the next Commission president, Mr Cameron said last week: "It's important that we have people running the institutions of Europe who understand the need for change, the need for reform and I would argue that that is a view that is quietly widely shared among other heads of government and heads of state in the European Union."
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