Stockholm  - Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen met Friday with his Swedish counterpart Fredrik Reinfeldt in Stockholm, and briefed him about the Irish government's views on how to go ahead with the European Union reform treaty.

Cowen told Swedish radio news that Ireland hoped a EU summit in December could "outline the elements of a solution."

Voters in Ireland earlier this year rejected the Lisbon Treaty, which aimed to streamline decision-making in the 27-nation bloc. It cannot enter into force until all member states have ratified it.

Sweden, which last week ratified the treaty, is set to assume the six-month rotating EU presidency in July.

The Irish premier on Thursday held talks in neighbouring Finland with Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen. (dpa)