The EU leaders at their summit in Brussels are expected to confirm the appointment of former Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker as the next chief of the European Commission. Germany and France brushed aside British Prime Minister David Cameron’s objections to Mr. Juncker on the grounds that he is too much in favor of closer political union and might block EU reform.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel had given Mr. Cameron hope after agreeing to a vote on the issue of there was no concensus, however both the Netherlands and Sweden have given their backing to Mr. Juncker since then. Ms. Merkel emphasized that the decision on Juncker would be taken today and seems determined to see him at the helm of the European Commission.

“If we have clarity on the necessary content for the next five years, we will take the decision on the next European Commission president,” said Ms. Merkel. “We can find good compromises with Great Britain and move a bit towards Great Britain.”

On his part, Mr. Cameron is expected to seek an unprecedented vote on the appointment which is usually made with a concensus. But Hungary is now Mr. Cameron’s only supporter so analysts believe that Mr. Juncker is likely to be overwhelmingly backed even if the matter does go to vote.

“This is the wrong person, the wrong approach, the wrong principle,” says Mr. Cameron. “My message to my fellow heads of government and heads of state is that this approach that they are contemplating taking is the wrong approach for Europe. That is a mistake.”

The atmosphere is expected to be highly charged at today’s lunch after it was confirmed last night taht EU leaders have voiced concerns over Juncker’s drinking habits in the last month.