Germany's Angela Merkel has restated her support for Jean-Claude Juncker to take over as president of the European Commission, at a mini-summit in Sweden.

The chancellor said that while she was "happy" to say she wanted Mr Juncker for the top job, it was not "the main topic" of the two-day talks.

British PM David Cameron, who wants a less federalist candidate, said reform of EC policies had been the priority.

The talks also included the heads of Sweden and the Netherlands.

The four centre-right leaders met in Harpsund, near the capital Stockholm, to try to reach a consensus on European reform.

Job creation, economic growth and structural reforms to boost EU competitiveness were also discussed at the meeting, which finished on Thursday morning.

'Too bossy'

But observers say the main question on everyone's mind was whether the heads had discussed the leadership controversy.

Commission president is the most powerful job in Brussels, shaping EU policy in key areas such as economic reform, immigration and ties with other global powers.

EU leaders have traditionally named the Commission head on their own, but new rules mean they now have to "take into account" the results of the European Parliament elections.

The European People's Party (EPP) - the largest centre-right grouping in the parliament, of which Mr Juncker is a member - won the highest number of seats in May's polls, and he has argued that gives him the mandate.

But the UK, Sweden and the Netherlands have been leading a campaign to block Mr Juncker's candidacy.

Mr Cameron is strongly opposed to Mr Juncker's belief in a closer political union between EU member states and has described Brussels as "too big" and "too bossy".

The decision will be made by the European Council - the official body comprising the 28 leaders - by qualified majority vote. That means no single country can veto the choice.

The result is due to be announced at an EU summit on 26-27 June, although an agreement by then is by no means guaranteed.