Jean-Claude Juncker was named as the next president of the European Commission yesterday, dealing a bitter blow to David Cameron, who said it threatened to increase Britain's chances of leaving the EU.

The British prime minister said Juncker's nomination was a "bad day for Europe" and said it may hinder his efforts to keep Britain in Europe ahead of a slated in-out EU referendum in 2017.

Asked if Britain was now closer to leaving the EU in a "Brexit", he said: "The job has got harder of keeping Britain in a reformed European Union... Do I think it's an impossible job? No."

Cameron forced an unprecedented vote on the issue at a Brussels summit despite having the support of only Hungary among the other 27 EU members.

Juncker, who was prime minister of Luxembourg for 19 years, said he was "proud and honoured" by the appointment. Leaders are expected to try and appease Cameron, potentially by offering London a top job in Brussels at a fresh summit next month.-Reuters