Francois Hollande expressed hope that the summit would reach a deal on Britain but that it would be a long evening. (File Photo)
French President Francois Hollande said that disputes over Britain's financial sector and London's call for a brake on benefits for migrants were the main sticking points at a European Union summit trying to work out a deal to help keep Britain in the bloc.
"There can be no special case" for the City of London, he said, adding Britain could not block integration in the EU. London wants safeguards for its financial sector against being harmed by decisions taken in the euro zone.
Hollande also said that "many nations" at the summit opposed British Prime Minister David Cameron's calls to be able to restrict social benefits for migrants workers.
"That is where it grates the most," he told France Inter radio in a two-hour interview during a break at the summit.
Still, Hollande expressed hope that the summit would reach a deal on Britain but that it would be a long evening. "We will find a compromise" over Britain, he said, adding "I hope so".
He added that whether or not Britain decides to stay in the EU after the upcoming referendum, the bloc will have to make decisions on what the European project is.
Hollande also warned that disputes over the refugee crisis were a threat to Europe and urged a common approach to avoid countries re-establishing border checks. "Otherwise it would be the end of Europe," he said.
© Thomson Reuters 2016
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