Sarkozy calls for more powerful EU

BRUSSELS, June 19 (UPI) -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy Friday called for European institutions to have more power, especially the European Commission.

Sarkozy said under its current setup the president of the EU lacks sufficient authority over his commissioners, the EU Observer reported. He made the comments during a news conference at the conclusion of a two-day meeting of EU leaders in Brussels.

"I am really for a strong European Commission, a strong council and a strong European Parliament," the French president said.

Sarkozy added that all institutions should be equally strong.

"If there is one that is stronger than the other, this introduces imbalance into the system," he said.

Sarkozy is expected to present more detailed suggestions for EU reform in a speech on Monday to both chambers of the French Parliament.

He did not confirm French news reports that he backs former Spanish socialist Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez to become the first EU president when the Lisbon treaty takes effect.