Germany is backing Belgian Prime Minister Herman van Rompuy for the job of the European Union's first president. The German ambassador to Brussels, Reinhard Bettzüge, says as much in today's edition of the Belgian newspaper, De Morgen.

On Thursday, EU government leaders are expected to decide on a president. Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende has been mentioned as a possible candidate, but it appears Mr Van Rompuy is now favourite for the post.

Only Great Britain is resisting Mr Van Rompuy's nomination because former British prime minister Tony Blair is also in the race. An EU high representative for foreign policy is also set to be chosen on Thursday.

photo: Herman van Rompuy (flickr / luc van braeckel)