Gordon Brown has urged Europe's finance ministers to back key reforms that could speed Britain's entry into the euro.

With his announcement on the five economic tests rapidly approaching, the chancellor has continued lobbying for changes to the way Europe does business.

At a meeting in Brussels ministers discussed the dismantling of internal barriers to the single market, giving Brown the opportunity to repeat his call for the EU to become more competitive.

The chancellor left behind a major battle over the euro as he headed to the Belgian capital.

While the gathering was the last before his statement on the single currency, the British chancellor was giving nothing away on whether his five tests will be met.

Instead, he remained focus on the need to step up the pace of economic liberalisation in the EU.

"Our agenda for economic reform can unite Europe and public opinion in Britain to help build up a lasting national consensus for the pro-European cause," Brown said.

Britain called for a review of tax and benefit systems in all member states to help increase labour market flexibility.

Meanwhile, Number 10 has confirmed that the chancellor and Tony Blair continue to have "intensive discussions" on the euro.

And it remains unclear whether ministers will discuss the subject at this week's Cabinet meeting.