The leaders of all 27 European Union countries back José Manuel Barroso to carry out a second term as head of the European Commission.

EU leaders voiced their support for the former Portuguese president during the first day of the two-day EU summit. Mr Barroso's candidature must still be endorsed by the European parliament. This may prove difficult as the socialist and green parties disapprove of a second term for the Christian Democrat.

The EU leaders also agreed on a restructuring of financial supervision in Europe. There is still no consensus on the Irish referendum however. Ireland wants to hold a new referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, which was turned down during last year's referendum there. In an attempt to prevent the Irish from again voting against the treaty, the Irish government wants EU guarantees on issues such as Ireland's military neutrality.

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