AMERICA has a “profound interest” in a strong UK in a strong EU, the US Secretary of State John Kerry has said ahead of a crunch European summit for David Cameron.

Speaking in Germany, Kerry said many Europeans felt “overwhelmed” by recent challenges such as the refugee crisis, but predicted Europe would “emerge stronger” in the end.

The comments appeared designed to help the Prime Minister strike a deal on EU reforms at a critical European Council meeting in Brussels later this week.

If a deal is done with the other 27 other EU leaders, Cameron is expected to announce an in-out referendum on EU membership on June 23.

Also in Germany, Cameron said the changes he wanted on EU integration, decision-making and benefits would make Europe “more outward-looking, competitive and dynamic.”

Speaking at a security conference in Munich yesterday, Kerry said Europe faced many challenges, including a potential Brexit.

“I want to express the confidence of President Obama and all of us in America that, just as it has so many times before, Europe is going to emerge stronger than ever, provided it stays united and builds common responses to these challenges.

“Now obviously, the United States has a profound interest in your success as we do in very strong United Kingdom staying in a strong EU."

The comments echo previous ones by Obama about the UK and the EU.

Obama also weighed into the Scottish independence referendum to help Cameron, saying he wanted the UK to stay “strong, robust and united”.

A spokesman for Vote Leave, which wants to be the official Out campaign, said the British government was "pulling favours" from world leaders.

"The State Department has long thought the UK is better off in for US interests," he said.

"But this vote is about the future of the British people and Britain's best interests and we're confident the British people will vote to take that control."

Will Straw, executive Director of Britain Stronger In Europe, said: “John Kerry's comments outline how Britain is a stronger force in the world thanks to our place in Europe. Being in an alliance with 27 other European democracies strengthens our hand when dealing with threats like terrorism and a resurgent Russia. And increases our clout and credibility in Washington. Britain's global influence is clearly enhanced by staying in Europe."

In a speech to business, political and civic leaders in Hamburg, the PM vowed to campaign "unequivocally" for the UK to stay in - if the EU agreed to his terms of membership.

He told his audience, which included German Chancellor Angela Merkel, that Britain was an "open nation" and he "never wants us to pull up the drawbridge and retreat from the world".