Francois Fillon said that continuing the European Union “adventure” would benefit the UK French Prime Minister Francois Fillon has urged the UK to back further European integration ahead of a Downing Street meeting with David Cameron.
He told the Times newspaper that the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government should not “create obstacles” to this process.
The two prime ministers are expected to discuss financial reform and the state of the eurozone.
Mr Cameron will also talk to European Council President Herman van Rompuy.
Mr Fillon, who has been French Prime Minister since last November, will give a speech in the City of London before going to Downing Street.
In his Times interview, he said that, although the UK was not part of the eurozone, attempts to improve its governance would “have great importance” to its economy.
It would be a “catastrophe and a disaster” for the UK if the single currency – which has come under strain after the EU bailed out debt-plagued Greece and Ireland – was allowed to fail, he added.
Mr Fillon said: “Europe funds itself at an historic turning point. The real question right now is whether we keep building on this adventure or whether we leave it at that.”
He said Mr Cameron could “find a way for Britain not to pull out [of the EU], but on the contrary to play a more proactive role”.
Mr Fillon told the Times: “The question is: is the UK ready to accept or encourage greater integration of the eurozone or is the UK distrustful of that and will it make it more difficult to happen.”
Mr Cameron pledged to keep the UK out of the euro at the last general election.
The subsequent coalition agreement with the Lib Dems promises the government will be a “positive participant in the European Union, playing a strong and positive role with our partners”.
But it rules out joining the euro during this parliament and pledges to “ensure that there is no further transfer of sovereignty or powers” during the same period.
The EU Bill, backed by the House of Commons earlier this week, says a referendum will be required in future whenever “significant” powers are passed to Brussels in future.
Ministers say the plan for a “referendum lock” will help preserve national sovereignty.
However, some Conservative MPs argue that the wording of the legislation means the government will get the ultimate say on which issues go to a public vote, making it less democratic.
Following his meeting with Mr Fillon, Mr Cameron will also talk to Mr Van Rompuy about the future of the euro.
This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.