Britain deal 'possible' but can't hold EU back: Hollande

Brussels: French President Francois Hollande said on Thursday an EU deal with Britain was "possible" but ruled out any terms that would hold the bloc back, amid concerns over demands for safeguards for non-euro countries.

"A deal is possible if certain conditions are met. A deal is possible because it is necessary that Britain should remain in the EU," Hollande said as he arrived at a Brussels summit.

"But no country can have the right to a veto, no country can withdraw from the common rules... otherwise another country will demand exceptions."

He added: "We cannot hold Europe back from advancing."

Hollande was speaking as he arrived for a crunch summit of all 28 EU leaders at which British Prime Minister David Cameron is hoping to secure a package of reforms to his country's relationship with the EU.

Cameron will use these to try and persuade voters to back remaining in the EU in an in-out referendum expected to be held in June.

Britain does not use the EU's single currency, the euro, and is seeking protections for that status which are particularly sensitive as it is home to the City of London financial district.