British Prime Minister Gordon Brown says the next few days will be "crucial" in tackling the global financial crisis.
Mr Brown said European Union leaders - who meet in Brussels on Wednesday and Thursday - need to take action fast to shore up banks and get them lending among themselves again.
The 27 members of the European bloc are expected to rally behind plans worked out in Paris on Sunday, when leaders of the 15-nation single currency eurozone met to discuss how to tackle the crisis.
In London, Mr Brown said: "The stakes are higher than ever before and the coming days will be crucial for the international financial community.
"It will take time - and these are tough times - for us to resolve the problems that have emerged in the banking system. The resolve of our leaders will be put to the test in the coming days."
He added: "We can come through these difficult times stronger if we make the decisions that I believe are essential for the strongest possible future for the international community."
