No decision will be taken in July about the re-election of European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt said on Friday.
Reinfeldt, speaking during a joint press conference with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Stockholm, said there would be "no decision" taken "during the month of July."
Barroso is seeking a second five-year term.
European leaders in mid-June expressed support for Barroso's re-election, but the European parliament, which must also vote on the matter, has indicated it could put off its decision until the autumn.
"The independence of the European parliament must be respected," Reinfeldt said.
Sarkozy said he hoped the vote could take place in September.
