Romano Prodi has offered his backing to any future bid by Tony Blair to become president of the European Union.

The European Commission chief has also launched his own campaign to secure more powers.

After weeks of criticism from Brussels at the UK government's stance on Iraq, Prodi has hailed Blair as "a strong prime minister".

In an interview with a satirical Brussels newsletter, The Sprout, he says the prime minister is "capable" of taking on the role of EU leader.

"Certainly he has the personal capability," Prodi said when pressed on the possibility of Blair becoming EU president. "He's certainly a strong personality."

"But the problem is which will be the real power, the president of the council, or the president of the commission?"

The Italian politician harbours plans to boost his own role as head of the EU's executive.

Prodi's blueprint would promote the commission president to Europe's overall figurehead, rather than having a national leader picked out to preside over governments in the council.

He sees the commission as the only institution with genuinely pan-European aims at heart.

"A prime minister presents only national interests. The common interest can only be represented by a body in which the duty and the goal is to stick to just that," said Prodi.

"Now you need a stronger commission to represent all the interests of citizens in some way that is separate from member states."

While seeking to undermine calls for an EU president of governments, Prodi claimed to be "happy" that the issue has arisen, claiming it shows people - not least the UK government - are taking Europe seriously.

"If you had asked three years ago 'will Blair be a good European leader?' you would have laughed after the question, as it was unimaginable that a strong prime minister like Blair could come to Brussels."

His statement comes as the Convention on the Future of Europe nears the end of its work.

Members of the convention have been locked in debate over redefining the balance of power between the Brussels institutions.

Proposals for a new-look EU are due to be announced by mid-summer.