The most senior European Union leaders have expressed confidence and interest in Britain remaining a member of the bloc.

Before a two-day summit in Brussels, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he is “quite confident” Britain will remain a “constructive and active member” of the union.

“I am quite confident that we will have a deal during this European Council,” Juncker said. “We have to sort out a certain number of questions among those you are mentioning, and I’m convinced Britain will be a constructive and active member of the European Union.”

European Parliament President Martin Schultz said there is a great deal of interest in ensuring Britain remains a member of the European Union.

“Together we are stronger and we will work constructively to ensure that what is agreed is actually put into legislative form in the European Union,” said Schultz.

Earlier in the week British Prime Minister David Cameron won a commitment from both EU leaders to help reach a fair deal on the EU reforms that he is seeking.

Cameron’s key demands

Upon his arrival in Brussels, Cameron warned he is not prepared to take a deal that does not meet his country’s needs.

“I will be battling for Britain, if we can get a good deal I will take that deal,” he said. “But I will not take a deal that does not meet what we need.  I think it is much more important to get this right than to do anything in a rush.  But with goodwill, with hard work, we can get a better deal for Britain.”

Cameron has four key demands: welfare restrictions to curb immigration, safeguards for Britain, which does not use the euro currency, increasing EU competitiveness and clarifying that Britain is not formally obligated to work toward a closer union with its European partners.

EU leaders will also discuss ways to deal with the worst migrant and refugee crisis the continent has faced since World War Two, during the summit Thursday and Friday in Brussels.
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