EU leaders want UK in union, but not treaty change
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European Union President Herman Van Rompuy (centre) is welcomed by Irish President Enda Kenny (left) and Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore in Dublin, Ireland, on Jan 9, 2013. European leaders on Wednesday stressed the importance of keeping Britain in the EU, but said they opposed treaty changes demanded by Prime Minister David Cameron. -- PHOTO: AFP
LONDON (AFP) - European leaders on Wednesday stressed the importance of keeping Britain in the European Union (EU), but said they opposed treaty changes demanded by Prime Minister David Cameron.
"Britain is an essential part of the EU," Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said during a conference in Dublin marking the beginning of his country's six-month presidency of the bloc.
"Great Britain has great value and is a very important member of the EU," added EU President Herman Van Rompuy.
The two leaders highlighted the importance of the union for British businesses, saying that it was essential for them that Britain remained a full and active member.
