Brussels, 29/04/2009 (Agence Europe) - Spain's Prime Minister José Luis Zapatero has confirmed his unreserved support for José Manuel Barroso for a second tenure at the head of the European Commission. In answer to press questions after a meeting with Mr Barroso, on Wednesday 29 April in Brussels, Mr Zapatero stressed: “My support is firm and strong - it will not change”. Unlike the French president, who had suggested putting off the decision concerning the future Commission president until after the second Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, Mr Zapatero, like most of his 27 counterparts, called for a decision “as soon as possible”. The decision should in principle be made at the European Council on 18 and 19 June. In addition to the support of EPP members, the current Commission president enjoys - with Mr Zapatero and Gordon Brown - the support of the two main European heads of government from the PES, which has not presented a candidate for the post. (A.B./transl.jl)